Microsoft Partner Centre application Help!!!!

This has become Kafkaesque and/or Helleresque.

I received a reply from the Defender Team 7 days ago informing me that:

'We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work to resolve this issue. We have received the information you provided and are currently reviewing it.  If it is determined that the current designation is incorrect or no longer accurate the warning will be removed.

We typically expect to take 24 hours for our investigation.  During this time, you may not see any changes to the status of your website. Please do not re-submit your request or make any changes to your website until we complete the investigation. Please note that while we review your feedback, we may not be able to respond to each submission individually.'

Since then I have received nothing.

So, should I conclude that the clause '...while we review your feedback, we may not be able to respond to each submission individually...' has come into effect?

If so, to whom should I direct my query regarding Windows Defender?

In desperation, I contacted Sectigo, who sold me my Microsoft Authenticode Code Signing Certificate (and suggested I submit my app to the MS store to build its reputation).

They responded with the following:

'We apologize for the  inconvenience and regarding your issue as we informed before main factor for smart screen errors are Low or No Reputation, New or Uncommon File, Potential Security Risks
The key to reducing SmartScreen warnings is to build reputation over time. The more users download, install, and use the software without issues, the higher the reputation becomes.'

Catch 22: how many users will install a programme that cues the Windows Defender screen?

Is there any point in purchasing a Code Signing Certificate if reputation does the business, not the Certificate?

Regards,

Richard