Hi Janz,
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I got the same issue as yours, i received the refusal letter in December 2016, then i consult so many solicitors, some suggest me leave then reapply the family permit again outside UK , some suggest me there is no hope either reapply or appeal, rest suggest me appeal first (keep the time) and prepare the sufficient evidence and reapply eea residence card again.
Due to some reason, i choose last one suggestion, so i sent my application without my passport but with my italian partner id card in February 2017. But until now I have not received any letter like biometric enrolment letter or coa letter from Home office, I am very worried, so i send letter two weeks regarding my status, tried to call and email, finally yesterday got one email from UKVI contact center and said my application is still within the service standard.
This is my experience, also i am looking for anyone has same experience like us. This is really frustrating.
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)