A scenario
You file for a passport in person mid-March, you think that it will go through without a hitch, you are TOLD by the official that you'll get it between X-and-X date, but noooo. Nothing happens. Then you are waiting day in and out for word on the status on this apparently nonexistent application while time is ticking. Moreover, the feds lie to you that they called you back in April saying they never receieved your application. Now you're a week from the departure date, the program officials tell you to get a new passport, and you don't know what's going to happen. Screw this.