1) That information will help you to understand at what stage you are at currently. In short, we can summarize PR process as 3 stage process. 2 stages will be done at CIO office and final stage at CPC Office. You won't get complete picture with their email response. At least you can get some glimpse of the status.
2) Ordering GCMS will give more insight of your application. However, it is time consuming process and it will take at least 30 days to receive your notes. Based on your current status, I strongly believe you may get PPR before your GCMS notes in case if you are planning to order them now.
Good luck with the rest of the process.