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Fingerprinting, eh?

Just as information for any of our new readers, Sean and I are in a mixed marriage. He's an American from the South, and I'm a Canadian from the west coast. So unlike most couples we have the added dimension of dealing with the INS as well as a couple of cultural differences.
I crossed the border on a fiancee visa and we got legally married here in Charlotte. In November we sent in the paperwork for my conditional resident status, work permit and a travel document. At the end of December I got my receipts back including a letter requesting an additional $50 for the fingerprinting fee. Sent in the check and in January I got back a letter with a phone number I was to call to make an appointment.
Today was Fingerprinting and Biometrics day. I called in about 6 weeks ago to get this appointment (the first available) at 8am this morning. 45 minutes later I had filled in a form which included questions about my height, weight, eye colour and hair colour (aka "biometrics"), did the digital finger-printing thing and had my photo taken. In an effort to make conversation with the guy holding my hand I said, "No more ink pads, huh?". He told me they still have those for the bad people. "I'm not Martha Stewart," I quickly replied. It got a laugh. I know I know everyone's a comedian.
It may be similar to my experience at the DMV last week where if you get in early the process is quick whereas if you get there mid-day you are there for hours just waiting, but it was for me the same frustration I've had with this whole process. Once you get to the next step the immigration officers are usually pleasant, courteous and even efficient, but getting an appointment for that next step takes forever. Hopefully the employment authorization is just around the corner and not yet another 6 weeks away.
I am sure it makes no difference but they give you a comment card to fill out before you leave and well if you know Marlene, you should know if you ask for comments you'll get comments.