500+ days outside UK and English Language

[Rolla]

Hi there - I will be due to apply for BC in 2014 and wanted to clarify a few things regarding absences from UK and English Language requirements:

Absences - I have been outside UK for 520 days in the last five years, of these 70 days were in final year. Majority (485 days) were due to work and the remaining were for personal reasons.
As I am above the required no. of days to be eligible for BC, can I still apply when i complete 1 year from ILR assuming UKBA will consider my application under the 540 days discretion rule?

English Language - I have a B grade in GCE A/O level English Language Examination conducted by the UCLES in 2000. Does this meet the English Language Requirement for me?

Thanks a lot