Hi Ji&Ma,
Yes no more lodging of application by post. I wasn't included on this rule bec when i lodged my appl biometrics were not yet implemented.

To those members who are waiting too long just read this on from Ji&Ma post:

To complete 95% of applications for settlement visas in not more than 12 weeks and 100% in not more 24 weeks

So therefore the maximum waiting time for a settlement visa is 6 mos.