HSMP extension but Complex case

[toufik7]

Hi All,

I've spent a lot of time reading posts on here and its been very helpful. my circumstances are a bit unusual/complex so i am hoping someone can offer some pointers/advice.

i've come here in 1998 as dependant of diplomat (i.e. my father), aged 14. i went to school then uni in london, then got a full-time job. My father left in 2004, but i didnt so in effect i became an overstayer. the reason for that is at the time i believed that if i stick around and complete 10 years, i would get ilr, which i later realised wouldnt be the case.
in 2007, i applied for hsmp which was successful, and headed back to my home country.
i went to british embassy with the hsmp letter, told them the truth (i.e. that i overstayed), that i wanted a second chance and i hoped to one day settle in the uk.
the interviewing officer typed a lot of notes, and was really friendly. i got EC in aug 2007 for 2 years.

here's the potential banana skins am faced with at present:

1. since i completed 10 years, am hoping to apply for ILR under the long residency category. i understand overstaying means the clock is reset and therefore will not count as 10 years?

failing that, i will apply for extension before the leave expires at beg of aug 09. i done the self-assessment and have enough points.

2. when i send my payslips for the last 12months, one payslip will be missing. it couldnt be reprinted but i've got an electronic copy. will it matter if the format doesnt match the other payslips? do i have to print it on company headed paper ?

3. looking at the tier 1 form, they've got a section about whether you've overstayed previously, obviously am gonna tell the truth. can it have an affect on whether the extension will be granted?

i just sent a letter to get my sar today, my plan is to apply for ilr in early feb, and tier 1 extension in june 2009. are those good timelines ?

thanks a lot everyone.