there really aren't any valid arguments I've seen for why this process would be taking this long only to get rejected.
That is just utter nonsense. The MHRA can send the application back to NWBO with requirements that must be fulfilled in order for the MHRA to appropriately assess the application. NWBO can choose to not respond to those requirements, seeing as how it is impossible to make scientifically invalid trial results become valid. If NWBO chooses not to respond, then the application sits dead in the water - neither approved nor denied. Why is that so hard for you people to understand?
I don't think they will reject but if they were leaning towards it and Linda wanted to delay the decision, she would delay responses as long as possible each and every time and provide responses that would require MHRA to come back asking for more information to which you can repeat the process