well, since no one had experiences, thought I would share mine:

- Lost luggage April 12
- World Tracer Website updated Apr 14 to say 'in process'
- Call from AC to see if we had found the bag yet (...?)... asked them the same Apr 19
- Apr 20 - documentation sent in
- Apr 24 - WT website updated to say 'documentation received'
- May 14 - WT website updated to say 'file sent to claims department'
- May 28 - cheque received from AC for full amount available under Montreal Convention

2 things:
1. As long as the WT website is updating, don't bother calling into the toll free - they know less than you do

2. If you are passing through your local airport, swing by the counter there to inquire - they seem to know what is going on, and are generally nice guys.

Hope this helps someone, now off to replace my jeans