hey,
in my opinion rejection == rejection. i know (or rather imagine at this point due to my lack of submission) how you must feel though. the long review most likely is a hold up with their "process". until we know the in's and out's of it, its just speculation and rumors. im not telling you to get ur hopes up to high nor am i telling you to give it up all together - just be patient.
that being said once i do submit mine, in fear of having "waiting syndrome" im gonna be developing a new app or some sort of proof of concept for my next app. even if i get rejected, at least i've learned a lot and can always purchase my own and keep developing. for me its never the end game, its always the road that gets me to the end that counts 
best of luck to your app!
Hang in there.