Good news is, 14 months in, we heard something!
I thought I had read several examples, where if you apply online, you may attach a picture file of your passport, and since it is an attachment, you only need to attach one. But perhaps I was wrong. I did apply online and only attached one file photo for each me and my wife. Why would it ever be needed to have two files of the same picture uploaded?
Also, the RFE instructions appear to make it mandatory that the response is required by mail, instead of online. Thank you for sharing any insight you might have. I'll be sending an email now and calling USCIS when I can.
Here's what the letter has:
SUBMIT PASSPORT STYLE PHOTOS
The photo you submitted of yourself with your petition is not acceptable because you only submitted one (1) photo of yourself for [name redacted]. Please submit (2) two passport-style photos of
yourself for [name redacted].
Submit (2) two passport-style photos of yourself, [name redacted].
When returning passport-style photos to USCIS:
Lightly print the name (and Alien Registration Number, if known) on the back of each photo in pencil or felt pen.
Do not staple through any part of the photos.
Place the photos in a glassine or paper envelope.
Staple the envelope to this notice when returning it to this office.
For more information on photo requirements, please see the Department of State website at:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html#immigrant
for photo requirements and specifications or contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
PLACE THE ATTACHED COVERSHEET AND THIS ENTIRE LETTER ON TOP OF YOUR
RESPONSE. SUBMISSION OF EVIDENCE WITHOUT THE COVERSHEET AND THIS
LETTER WILL DELAY PROCESSING OF YOUR CASE AND MAY RESULT IN A DENIAL.