Same situation here.

Got welcome / approval notice on April 15, 2008.

Called TSC 4 times in the past 3+ months. Pretty sure that no card will be ordered before the biometrics is done. So far, they have not yet be able to schedule the biometrics appointment. Still wait for the appointment notice.

Went to infopass and got I-551 stamp. The officer told me to expect a year for the physical card. Already used the stamp as GC to travel to Canada and Mexico. Also used the stamp to apply UK and Schegen visas. No problem. The stamp serves the GC purpose.

PS. During application for the UK visa, finger print needs to scheduled with local USCIS office. It took no time to schedule and perform. Don't understand why they can not leverage all these duplicate efforts.