Does Vb make any sense anymore? Even if you have visa # available, if you are stuck in name check, then it really makes no sense.
I read it this way, FBI security clearance is an universal equalizer, even if your application falls in a priority employment, it depends on your security clearance,
instead of VB by the state department, FBI should come up with a website that says that USCIS receipts # so and so have been processed. This would be a better indicator rather then the VB.
My understanding is visa availability is not directly proportional to visa issuance,
other factors do play a role in this and these days these factors seem to be the primary determinants.
Rama