File early. The window is shorter than people think and it starts at the transaction.

It gets smaller. Not easy, smaller. That distinction kept me going.

Ask for the longer appointment slot. Ten minutes is not enough for a complex history and pretending otherwise wastes both your time.

You are not imagining it and you are not being difficult. Document it and take the document in.

Written confirmation email after every phone call. Cheapest insurance there is. Same for me with Poland, unfortunately.