I don't think the number of scores released last quarter is a good comparison. Everyone who could possibly take FAR in the previous window did so to avoid the new format. The candidates who took FAR in this window were probably the ones that couldn't put it off until the next window due to an expiring NTS or credit for other sections. The 9000 could be all of them.
As a man who was sitting where you were this time last year WOW(peter) congrats. You are also now added to the list of people I don't like. One day I will pass too, and you can be taken off that list.
My wife has passed, but I had to grant her an exception or else I wouldn't have a 10 month old right now.