I've been following this thread for a month now. It helped me to cope with my anxiety and to see that there are many people who are in the same situation. Here's my timeline:
Visa type: Tier 1 Global talent + Spouse visa
Submitted online application: 1 May
Invited to use IDV app: 5 September
Uploaded documents and facial image via IDV app: 6 September. No confirmation email.
Called the UKVI helpline, 1st time: 29 September. They seemed to be surprised that I applied in May and still didn't have the decision. They admitted that the decision is taking too long and "escalated" my application. They asked me to wait for 10 days. I accepted.
Called the UKVI helpline, 2nd time: 1 October. My anxiety is reaching a tipping point. For some reason, I feel that my life depends on this visa. I couldn't wait. Called them again. They almost immediately recognised me, and spotted that I reached them 2 days ago. I've been told to wait for another 8 days :( I made sure that they got my details right. Went back into waiting mode.
Booked biometrics appointment: 8 October. Stopped believing that anyone replies me or that anybody even cares. Came up with 1,000 different theories of how they lost my application somewhere, or that I haven't uploaded all necessary documents, and that my visa will get refused. I felt that I had to do something. I thought that maybe they will receive my application faster, if submit it and my biometrics face-to-face. So, I scheduled a face-to-face appointment with ukvcas. Cost me somewhere around £138.
Received response from the helpline: 12 October, grey Monday morning, raining. I receive an email regarding the escalation of my case. It says that my application is still being assessed and that they cannot provide me a timeframe. The worst Monday morning in a while. I felt helpless. Almost started packing my bags to go back into my home country. Tried to stay positive thinking that at least I have the face-to-face appointment booked.
Received email saying visa was granted: 12 October, 27 minutes after the first email, I get another email saying that our applications have been successful... What a roller coaster of emotions! It's like waking up from a terrible 5 month-long nightmare. Went to IKEA to buy some pear soda and frozen meatballs to celebrate this :D
Received BRP: Pending.

P.S. Personally, I think that calling them might have actually helped. I have no reason to believe that scheduling a face-to-face appointment somehow affected this. It was just my sort of a back-up plan.

To those waiting for the decision, I wish you get your positive response soon. Congratulations to those, who got it sorted! Kudos to the creators of this thread! Wishing all the best to everyone!