I just have a feeling, when the USCIS processing has passed out of the range of your case date, it's very hard to see the hope.
My case is firstly touched in Feb 2005, and I believe that's when USCIS is processing most of Apr 2004 cases, but if we cannot get approved by that time, then the nightmare starts.
I believe USCIS is processing Dec, 2004 and Jan, 2005 cases now, and they keep the published dates very old to prevent inquiry, since they are also aware that some early cases are not processed.
That's only my guess, DIGS.
Now, I wish I can get my case approved by Apr 29, 2006, that's my 28 th birthday. I am in 4th year of H-1B, and the company still runs well , though small company. I think I am still in lucky group.
good lucks to both of us, Apr 2004 suffer.