No. But we see cases all the time on this forum where CIC agents have given very wrong advice.
The problem with the "lets see" attitude, is that it may take a long time for your app to be rejected. And while you're waiting with an app in process, you may not be able to submit an app in later years when you actually do qualify for income.
No nothing is changing. The rules are always the same in terms of if you meet the income requirements. There is no "case by case" scenario here, you either meet income or you don't.
That is correct, you only need to be a PR when you apply. It's fine if your previous 3 years income were while on work permit.
The only important part, is if your 2014 tax return meets the LICO amount for family size of today. This is a simple yes or no answer, there is no discretion or explanation otherwise.