Here is some nice reading about statistics. I dont know how accurate this blogger is, but it might be worth reading. http://www.portfolio.com/views/columns/chartistry/2007/07/06/Skilled-Migrants-Needed
Unfortunately it's going to be a long ride before any changes happen.
The retrogression will be with you until there is an immigration overhaul - the simple reason it will be with you is that they are legally constrained by the current system and the quotas in place.
Quite simply, there are too many "would be" immigrants here for what the quota allows... as I've heard before... "you are trying to pack 10 lbs of shit in a 5 lb bag.... it won't work but will break the bag.... hence the immigration bag is broken.
Nothing will change this year or next year... not before the election.
And even if this is the first priority of the next administration, they don't get sworn in until Jan 2009 and they won't really get working and hitting their stride for 3-9 months at the earliest. It's doubtful they would tackle a complex issue like immigration first without a few wins under their belt. Then if and when they decide to overhaul immigration, thi will take at least a year of debates. They may or may not pass a "temporary" relief for technical workers but may refrain from it due to the fact that a comprehensive overhaul will be better than a temporary fix.
Add to that the potential for a recession, and all of a sudden peoples attention is on jobs, economy etc. The last thing they will want is to grant easier access to foreigners... especially illegals... which we are unfortunately lumped in with.
I know this sounds all like doom and gloom and I hope for those waiting this doesn't play out this way, however I have to be a realist and I think if you are waiting, you need to be as well. Because if you are pacing yourself to run a sprint and it's actually a marathon... you won't make it.
I believe this is a marathon and some people will end up waiting 5-10 years just to have their gc approved... plan your strategies accordingly and get organized and political.
But above else, pray!