Implied status work exp counts as long as you started working after you finished your course requirements and after you applied for your PGWP. As long as you are waiting for a decision from IRCC and did not leave the country, you can work legally and use it to claim points.
I agree it was a gray area a year or two back and to an extent still is, but use this rule of thumb. I think most here have echoed what I am saying.