Yes. Yes. And yes.
Simply asked to review my eligibility based on sucessfullnes of PR application. Included job offer, freshest employment letter and a WP
p.s.: also, not all RCCICs advising to do that, but such a long WP processing time make it possible.
Applying for visitors status is not recommended because rules saying " conditions must be the same, when applying and when visa is issued".
Again, with EE announcing, previous manuals and rules do not completely compatible with new system.
But WP application must be done before WP expires, in order to be able to continue working legally "up untill WP decision is being done."