Is the non-immigrant M-visa hard to get? Has anyone been through this recently?

So far what I’ve been reading is that people in the music, fashion, lifestyle industries have been being refused this visa this year? Is there any validity to this?

Also, is there a visa for freelancers who want to base out of Thailand with no actual employer?

 Or just a part time employment outside of Thailand?

If there is an ongoing thread about this, please link me - I have tried searching. 

Info for getting a M visa can be found here: http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/media-center/25543-Information-for-Foreign-Press.html

Their is no freelance visa.

Thanks. I'm hoping to hear from some people who have been through the application process especially with since the new rules have come into effect.