Could it be that they are going quarter by quarter? Perhaps the dates would move forward in Jan 2024 visa bulletin. Not sure.

@my moto it is a common trend. in the beginning of the year, they remain conservative. however since demand is not known we don’t know if it retrogress or advance all happens during 2-3 quarters but drastically in last one. I am thinking if Uscis was able to predict demand accurately, it will move 6-12 months in next quarter and another 6-12 month in 3rd quarter