They have certainly increased the incidence of interviews compared to the past. But it does not mean you will have one. And they can verify anything they want, the interview is conducted in French anyway
In principle, you need to fulfil RO at any time to maintain your PR status. So, if you want to renew your PR card before the expiry date, you need to be in compliance at the time you renew it as well.
Processing time is calculated until FD
If you read the article then you'll see that the problem mostly concerned people who applied around 2022 and is now largely fixed, so doubt this is holding up your eCoPR
You become PR on the soft landing date. The date on your PR card is just the card issuance date. To maintain your PR status, you need to fulfil RO starting from the date when you became PR.
Ok then I dunno, anyway this person managed as I said: https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/pr-confirmation-portal-timelines.734183/page-1100#post-10887678
don't remember, you need to search the thread. you can also check if you can link PR card application in your GCkey, that would confirm what the agent told you
Yes, you need to wait. IRCC will contact you when they require further information on your end and when they want you to do biometrics, medical exam etc. No need to worry now