NNF said:Does the online case status get updated when the FP notice is sent out?
Not always. Mine wasn't (got FP notice today). I'll let the group know if/when the online status message is updated.
NNF said:How reliable is the online case status update?
The online case status update isn't too reliable as far as I know.
Someone mentioned elsewhere that their lawyer got copies of the FP notices so maybe you could ask your lawyer to let you know when he/she gets it so you have a backup.
I'd hope that the USCIS isn't too strict about the "application is considered abandoned if you miss the FP date" given that the FP notices aren't sent out via certified mail.
ETA