The regulations have always said that the applicant must have legal status. it was a public policy, based on the Minister's discretion under IRPA, that permitted out-of-status applicants to apply.
It is not wise to rely upon what the CIC website says when it comes to nuances and legal interpretation - it is often misleading and sometimes wrong. How many people think they must apply inland because they are inside Canada? We know that's not true. Or how many people think you have to apply for renewal of status 30 days early? The law says "before expiration" and CIC just wants you to get your paperwork in even earlier...