My understanding when it comes to the docket delay is that it highly depends on where you file it.
Yes, mandamus lawsuits have increased over the past year (and for good reason), but it doesn't necessarily mean that it'll take forever. My understanding (from a ton of research) is that, if it's filed correctly, it still often takes 90 days or so. Of course, if you get pushback from the government, that timeline will be longer.
I've talked to a few different lawyers about this and their opinions vary, but, if I were DQ'd already, I'd probably give it a shot (not saying that's what you should do).
But I've also considered a wide range of different options (including moving my wife to a different country).
What do you mean about the rubber-band analogy?