Krypton

That is a terrible move. Flattery annoys, and most professors do not have the time to deal with students who may not be admitted in the first place. In addition, telling a professor he or she is the only reason you applied to a particular program is the fast road to rejection if that professor, for any of a myriad of reasons, cannot or will not support you.

My impression is that meeting with at least 5 or 6 faculty is common at most interview weekends.

Many programs make post-interview acceptances within a few days post-interview.

From what I've heard, Berkeley MCB is done. Indeed. Down from 175 to 100 interview invites, about.

There are bound to be some negative situations like the ones people are outlining at all schools. Really the only way to know the whole story is to investigate for yourself the programs you are interested in, as you alone know what your level of scrutiny is. I think deciding not to apply to a program solely based on a few others' experiences is setting yourself up for a potentially huge loss.

People are hearing back mostly from programs with (early) December deadlines.

MarA, is your Stanford interview for Biochemistry?

Berkeley MCB is apparently finished sending interview invites, too.

My invite for Berkeley MCB was last Friday. Interview offers will continue to be made through January 31st.

Umm, did you not notice this?