Advice for UK Citizen applying for Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

Hi Expats,

I am currently in the process of applying for the Digital Nomad Visa. I have seen these two visa options that seem suitable:

E11 - (TEMPORARY STAY VISA FOR THE EXERCISE OF A PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY DONE REMOTELY - “DIGITAL NOMADS”
D9 - RESIDENCE VISA FOR THE EXERCISE OF A PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY DONE REMOTELY - “DIGITAL NOMADS”

I earn over the required threshold (roughly 4000 euro per month pre tax - remote job), and I am planning to stay in Portugal for just under a year, so the E11 visa seems suitable.

But........ I cannot seem to get an appointment through the VFS Global portal. I have been trying for at least a month now (understand this was during Xmas when everyone's not working), but it continually keeps saying no appts available, check later, with no further information. (Please note looking at the Manchester consulate as currently in Leeds)

I have 3 months accom booked starting March 1, and will be heading over regardless (worst case scenario on tourist Schengen 90/180 rule)

My question is threefold ....

1. Is this normal to wait this long to get even an appt through the VFS global portal?
2. Have I left it too late? I understand processing times are roughly 30 days, but March 1 seems now cutting it very fine
3. Am I going crazy or am I correctly looking at the E11 visa for Portugal through the correct site that is VFS Global?

Also, anyone who went through a similar experience with the visa process, would love to hear what happened to you.

Thanks All!!