I had to renew my passport as it was expiring later this year. I just missed the online submittal option as it was shut down while I was on holiday in England. On return home, I sent the renewal application in.

3/16: Mailed passport renewal by first class mail, paid for expedited service
3/21: Check cashed (according to my bank)
4/7: Online status page showed as "Approved"
4/10: Passport entered US Mail with tracking number
4/12: Arrived (they sent it by Priority Mail)

Locator number: 42 (New Orleans)

I was very pleased with the turnaround time, particularly with the now stated 7-9 weeks processing for expedited service.