Depends on the timing of the rest. Often it's a good thing to do in case your PR application is returned for any reason since the visitor record then prevents you from falling out of status.
Based on the information you've provided, he doesn't qualify for an open work permit so you should be expecting the appeal to be refused.
A TRV does not allow him to remain in Canada.
He needs to apply for a visitor record if he wants to remain in Canada. Once he switches over to a visitor...
1. IMO this period should count. You may want to confirm with an immigration lawyer.
2. I'm not sure I understand this question. Once the PGWP was refused, you would have fallen out of status and not be able to work until restoration and the PGWP was approved.
There is always some chance that IRCC may request updated evidence of financial eligibility during the federal processing stage. It certainly doesn't always happen. But there is some possibility you could be asked for this later on in the process.
1. No. You would need to apply for a PRTD with H&C considerations. If that is approved, you would then need to travel to Canada and apply for a PR card once you are in Canada. Also, I don't understand your dates. You say you got PR in 2008 but also say you left Canada in 2005. Is one of these...
No, wait a few weeks before you submit. 3-4 weeks.
With no buffer or a very small buffer, your application is much more likely to be routed to secondary review and then you'll be waiting a lot longer than the extra 3-4 weeks.
What are your H&C reasons for failing to meet the residency obligation? Working outside of Canada is not accepted as a reason.
Is your spouse living in Canada and does your spouse meet RO?
Neither is realistic.
1) No, not at all realistic. You face no real immigration barriers that would qualify you for conjugal. It would be extremely easy for you to either get married or become common law.
2) This is also not realistic. A visitor visa does not allow her to live in Canada...
Generally speaking, making the decision to study outside of Canada is not considered as an H&C argument since this is a personal choice and not a situation where someone was forced to remain outside of Canada. He should certainly try applying for a PRTD under H&C once he is ready to move back to...