Thanks for the info MochiJo. Friend actually got an email last Friday (10/1) that her application is being processed and would take 10-15 working days plus return mail time. Was just comparing her timeline to yours and just noticed an email from UK Agency that her visa has been issued and should arrive the next day (hopefully tomorrow). Overall, her timeline took 13 business days to process from the day she fedex her application to the day they said her visa has been issued. Not bad at all considering we did not pay extra cash for a Courier/Agency or to rush it with the UK Agency. Lesson learned - Just keep praying that the visa will arrive with enough time before departure date and to send in the application well ahead of time to refrain from stress and worries!
Have a safe trip to all!!!