Success! Notified at 8:08 this morning that my FLR(M) had been approved.
The Timeline was --
Application: 16 August
Email with IDV invitation: 9 September
Biometrics & document upload: 16 September
Email to MP: 15 November
Home Office Request for 'more' information: 26 November
Email approval: 27 November
BRP in the post.
The Home Office request for more information was incredibly stressful, as the case manager seemed to not understand that applying under category C meant that we met the financial requirements with an income of less than £18,600 (my husband has a tax-free student bursary). Many, many thanks to those who were reassuring yesterday as things felt like they were about to fall apart, as well as all the support that this forum has been in general as we've navigated the stress of trying to fulfil the FLR(M) requirements (including getting married) in the middle of this crazy year.