I believe I have seen more anecdotal evidence of sponsorship apps submitted when out of compliance effectively not being processed - i.e. not automatically sent to the reporting/removal/revocation stages but simply left to 'age out.' (Or rather 'age in' to compliance with the RO).The safe approach is to be sure to be in compliance before engaging in any transaction which depends on valid PR status.
I realize how difficult it is to know how IRCC officials are actually approaching these cases, generally, and far more difficult to forecast how things will go for any particular individual. So the safe approach is an important guideline. The only reliable guideline.
But here I can only say I do not know for certain and haven't been tracking closely. I hope I haven't overstated.
All I can do is warn that leniency seems less clearcut and that given the timeframes involved to get back into compliance (in many/most cases) and importance to many, it's a big deal.