Hi reddy
I'd suggest you share everything here, we are no experts but we always express our opinion here so that everyone can benefit from the same.
This is what I sent on PM.
This is no guide, but I took these points in to consideration to decide on 176 SS Category:-
You will probably need to read the following.
It's all my speculation.
1) Visa Processing Priorities can change any time, just like September 23rd Changes.
2) Currently CSL is above the State Sponsorship with no CSL Category. This may not remain the same. There is a catch in September 23rd announcement. The catch is: "Minister (responsible for DIAC & Immigration) retains the right to accept more applicants in State Sponsorship with no CSL Category".
3)
There were plenty of applicants (~35,000) in this category, and all the applications under this category are on hold. But Australia does require lots of people in this category, and these applications processing may resume anytime soon.
4) There is Future Skilled List on the way, don't know what it is or how it affects priority processing. This might alter priorities again!
5) Australia may not require tens of thousands of Software Professionals every year. They do have good education system to create talent. Most people in CSL category come from this segment. They could just put some kind of limit somewhere.
DIAC mainly serves 3 top priorities + other applications at low priorities.
1) Employer Sponsored
2) CSL Category
3) State Sponsorship
The new priorities broadly distinguish combination's in this list. If you seek and obtain SS, you will come in higher priority and application would get processed faster. Even if DIAC changes rules to prioritize SS applications later, your application will be processed faster. Or, in a case if there is going to be a restriction on number of software professionals, state sponsored software professionals applications do get processed.
It's all wild guesses, If you are in dreaded need of Australia PR (like you don't have any other option for other countries) , I suggest you read though the above *wild guesses* carefully. If you go with SS, It only costs you two years time within the sponsored state.