Hi Robotic link,
I will share with you my experiences and how I filled out the application.
1. I personally just wrote by hand "present" over the spaces for the date. I think they should have provided this option, but they didn't, so they shouldn't be too upset that we are not giving them the precise date.
2. Please specify the application form number and the number of the question that you are talking about. Otherwise it is hard to say...
3. Yes, this is correct. They do encourage applicants to obtain their TRVs (temporary visitor's visas) while they wait for their PR. However, different offices are in charge of issuing PRs and TRVs, so you will have to apply for them separately. When I applied, I asked to issue a TRV for me for one year (I applied in Dec 10 and asked until Dec 11). It took them half a year to process my request, but I still got it for a year (from Jun 11 till Jun 12). THis means that you will probably get it for a year from the date it will be issued.
Hope this helps.