Again, I'm speaking based on my own experience, rather than knowledge of official policy, but here are a few more thoughts:

1. I wanted a 5 year RP last year, and I didn't qualify
-cities/provinces all had their own scoring systems, and I came up a little short of A

2. This year, I received one easily because the new rule --which I believe is nationwide-- is that you get 5 years as long as you have 2 previous RPs and no criminal record
-I asked two different visa agents about this before applying, and they both gave me the same answer

3. I've yet to encounter a border checkpoint where echannel did not work