UKVI Offering Unmarried Partner Visa Instead of Proposed Civil Partner Visa

[pjhn77]

We recently (Bio 21/2 - priority) applied for the Proposed Civil Partner Visa, but today we received an email from the UK Decision Making Centre saying:
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First Email:
The UK Decision Making Centre is currently assessing the application submitted by the above named. We are unable to conclude the application at this time as we require additional information.

Based on the evidence provided, I am satisfied that your relationship is genuine and subsisting with your sponsor. You may meet the requirements for unmarried partner under Appendix FM . You could be granted a 33-month unmarried partner visa to the UK in order to facilitate a civil partnership. Should you wish to be assessed on the unmarried partner route under Appendix FM you must pay IHS. We have now generated an IHS payment link.
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Second email:

You must make a payment by 25-03-2025, in the currency that was used to make the original IHSC payment.
What happens if you do not pay
If you do not make a payment by 25-03-2025 your application will be treated as invalid, and it will be rejected. Your application will not be considered further.
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Does this mean that if we pay the IHS, the Unmarried Partner Visa is guaranteed? The email says "you may meet" the requirements, which makes it sound uncertain.

It seems like they reviewed the application as they claim "I am satisfied that your relationship is genuine and subsisting with your sponsor".

We didn't apply as Unmarried in the first place as this is a long distance relationship due to visa restrictions (my partner had a UK scholarship a few years ago). So no cohabitation at all.

The second email suggests that we have to pay and follow that route - but the first one claims that its an option that we can consider ? Very confused about that part.

Would they offer this unless they are happy that we satisfy the relationship requirements for this route ? (Thats what my response to them was)

[pjhn77]

Update:
After sending them an email asking for clarification, I have no response (replied to email but also forward to email within).

Is there any way to get an update from them? This is very frustrating

[pjhn77]

Just adding another update in case someone has any advise.
I replied to the email (and paid the NHS charge too) asking for clarification on the same day 11/3.

I replied to VISA info but also forwarded the response to sheffield email as well.
I phoned the UKVI number and paid for speaking to support but they had no idea what to do and it wasn't helpful at all.

The problem I have is that we don't even know which VISA they are considering at the moment and I would hate to see a refusal on Unmarried route even though we dont' want to be considered for it (in case they would review the relationship requirement from the start).

Is it negative (for the purpose of the application) to email them again ?
Which email is the best to contact for details ?

Thank you.