This makes sense, Dan.
I've heard of people getting their PPR 2-3 months before their medicals expire without extension or medicals. I guess it depends on the officer and visa office.
In his case I'll say his VO is quite thoughtful in a weird 'we didn't grant you the PPR on time but we're trying to make it up to you' way.
I guess so and there’s is a thread where one PA was claiming that he has the similar situation and when he enquired why he wasn’t given PPR as Medicals did not expire he got a reply saying Medicals needs to be valid atleast for 4 months when they want to issue PPR.