There should be no delays in accepting notes, but in the last days we got several spam attacks and many relay tried to filter them, so this may have generated some rejections.
I suggest you to use a client that fully support the Outbox model, pick up a couple of public relays and a paid one with a good spam protection, to try to be visible to those using WoT relays.
Next step: run your own relay.

If can be useful:

nostr:nevent1qqsqqqq32xv7lhdrt2fdsp9za5un2wacaz735zqu0zrdlzeyn0mtk3qpr3mhxue69uhkxmm4de68y6t9wvhxv6tpw34xze3wvdhk6tczypaaaaa7ytwcuk05vq8qgj498gw0jadfm37j0h6cxw780kmcffvq2qcyqqqqqqgva957d 

 I'm not quite there to run my own relay (but would love to in the future). Bookmarked your relay setup remark for future reference.
Currently, I try to figure out how Nostr works through the eyes of a 'normal user'. 
And then peek behind the curtains as a new dev, just to gain some more understanding.
I now added to my list to look into the outbox model that you mention, and see what it entails.
It's an exciting learning journey. 

I'm just not ready yet to onboard my friends and family, while I still struggle to get a hold of the how and what myself ;) 

 For the Outbox model, here is where all started (it was originally called Gossip, from the name of the client that introduced it): https://mikedilger.com/gossip-model/