I get a delay sort of every single time. The first time I got the delay 20ish years ago it took like 3 weeks. Don't really have a record, never found out what that was about. Since then though they have to get an operator on the phone every time instead of the automated phone thing providing approval. I did find out there is someone with a very similar name and the same birth year that has been in a lot of trouble in my county and twoneighboring counties in PA. Don't know if that is related or not. Once the operator comes on they usually go through the eye, hair, race, etc. and then give the approval. It means I usually wait 30mins instead of 5. Only once since the original instance have I had to wait a day. Annoying, but I'm not sure if it's worth that NICS identifying number or if that even works in PA.
Never seemed to matter for my LTCF, that is always about 20 minute or so to get the new card from submitting paperwork. Seems to line up with what everyone in my county experiences; just did that last Friday actually. They use the same PICS for that; but I've never been able to overhear the conversation like I can at my local gun store. One of the best things about PA at least in my County; walk in, fill out paperwork and walk out with new LTCF. Takes less than an hour from parking to getting back to the car.