Hey guys, our details are as follows:
1) Previous visa - 2 year Spouse
2) Expiry date - 17 May 2012
3) Application received at UKBA - 4 May 2012
4) Payment taken - Not sure (within a week)
5) Acknowledgement sent by UKBA - 14 May 2012
6) Biometric requested by UKBA - 9 July 2012
7) We receive Biometric request - 18 July 2012

Biometric given - 19 July 2012
9) Acceptance letter written - 22 August 2012
10) Acceptance letter received - 28 August 2012
11) Biometric residence permit received - WAITING, letter says we will receive in 7 working days
I did involve my MP, tweet lots of #UKBA comments and lodge a complaint on 23 August 2012 but I have had no response from any of these avenues as yet so I doubt anyone hurried things along!
Good luck with all your applications x