Please help! Visa question! (Quito)

Hello all!

Does anyone have experience with the process of attaining a professional (9-V) here in Quito? I have been really on top of the process, but have been receiving a lot of varied information from Ministerio employees. My questions are:

1. How long did the process take from solicitud/folder entry to actually receiving the visa.
2. How long was the process of having your diploma validated at SENESCYT (especially if your school it was already in their registry).
3. Have you found it useful or helpful rather then going for the work visa Protected content , where you need a lot of information form your employer, rather than working independently with the professional?

If you can answer all or any of these questions it would be much appreciated! I AM IN A BIND! Thank you!