The average of validation for project using quorum is probably 2-3 days, and well over 90% after 4 days. Often the spike of pending validation is observed when switching project. I had the same last week when testing HPF2 on a quad. First 36 hours only 2 of 19 validated. After another 24 hours it was 2 of the original 19 still in PV. That's how it works. Running a permanent 3 day cache will almost always give immediate validation after crunching steady for a few days, but for that small percent.

aeridus, if now, after achieving all Silver badges, I hope that you're taking into consideration the Estimated Project Completion dates whilst 'going for Gold' - as, the NRW currently has an estimated end date of August...

Thus, my own personal recommendation, would be for you to concentrate your attention on gaining that Gold badge first... Just think as to how 'miffed' you'll be if you just missed out...

If you're not aware, it's easy to keep track of these dates (which can and do move - after all, they're only estimated end dates), via Sek's excellent graphs :-)