Well I'll suggest to not indulge yourself in IRCC processing procedures for any type of application. It's confusing for applicants and I am sure for VOs as well who are abroad and getting these instructions on weekly basis. At the end, it'll come down to the case processing officer to follow whichever guideline (s)he thinks applies in this situation. It could be 2 stage application and/or direct refusal/approval and PPR request.
As long as applicants are getting updates regardless of 2-stage approval or full refusal/approval. It should be more than enough at the moment.