Hsmp Jr for ILR,absence of >6 months

[ruku]

Original Hsmp Jan 2006,got 2nd extension till Feb 2011.Would have been eligible for ILR Jan 2010,under HSMP Jr but has single major absence of >9 months once & returned Apr 2009.this absence irrespective of grounds,has impact on my ILR appl.so I have applied for extension FLR(hsmp) and got 3 yr as Tier 1 migrant,till Feb 2014 and the extension letter say this time will enable me to qualify for current threshold for ILR and ask me to enclose a copy this extension letter as assessed under JR,with my future ILR appl.
1)wonder when is ideal to apply for ILR?
2)is there such a thing as'' reset of clock",which makes Apr 2013(4yrs since my return)ideal to apply
i welcome some comments from moderators at least

ruku

[geriatrix]

If you apply (for settlement) at a time when this single absence (>90 days) falls within the qualifying residential period then your application may be refused for not meeting the "no single absence of more than 90 days" requirement.

Hence, it can be said and is generally accepted that such an absence resets the ILR clock.