i have verified my account on poloniex couple of days ago and really it takes around 30 mins/1 hour.
Keep in mind you need a pc with webcam (mandatory) otherwise it will fail, then you have to take a picture of your id or driving license and then a photo of your face.
Automated, easy, reliable and pretty fast, nothing special.
Do you think I should try to open a new account using the same passport for verification? do you know if there is any evidence of cross-checking between account approval requests?