Conflicting information on when to apply for a social security number (SSN)

When to apply for SSN? Many forums recommend applying right after entry on the K-1 and before marriage/AOS... but am I reading this wrong from the SSA?

Also, wouldn't it take forever to get a SSN if the EAD takes a while?

https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm

https://preview.redd.it/uhcwn6sx0rgg1.png?width=1029&format=png&auto=webp&s=94f1cef0ec95bc48c19ef0ce7ce7c968e0de5c5b