Question regarding resetting timeline

[Alexa1]

AB married to UK citizen came to the UK with FLR M spouse visa. After 2.5 years at the time of extension, inadvertently applied for ILR which got rejected. Appeal under Article 8 granted FLR FP visa.
Now nearing 2.5 years on the FP and due for extension:

1. Apply for extension under FLR M, not FLR FP since they satisfy the requirements. Is this possible to do this while in the UK?
2. Currently enrolled in a combined masters program at the university. Does she still need an updated IELTS?
3. If and when granted FLR M extension, would the first 2.5 years (before FLP) count towards the combined 5 years for the ILR route or does the timeline reset with the new FLR M extension?
4. If she reaches a total of 10 years of stay in the UK first despite being in different categories and being eligible through that can she still apply for ILR?

Thank you.

[seagul]

AB married to UK citizen came to the UK with FLR M spouse visa. After 2.5 years at the time of extension, inadvertently applied for ILR which got rejected. Appeal under Article 8 granted FLR FP visa.
Now nearing 2.5 years on the FP and due for extension:

1. Apply for extension under FLR M, not FLR FP since they satisfy the requirements. Is this possible to do this while in the UK?
2. Currently enrolled in a combined masters program at the university. Does she still need an updated IELTS?
3. If and when granted FLR M extension, would the first 2.5 years (before FLP) count towards the combined 5 years for the ILR route or does the timeline reset with the new FLR M extension?
4. If she reaches a total of 10 years of stay in the UK first despite being in different categories and being eligible through that can she still apply for ILR?

Thank you.

1. Yes
2. Yes because degree need to have been finished
3. A new 5 yearly clock will start because all previous time won't be counted.
4. Yes. All visas will be counted.

[Alexa1]

Thanks for the prompt reply.
I’m thinking despite being in good employment/financial standing the current best route for ILR for AB is the 10 year UK resident route (with extensions until that time either in the FP or M category).

[seagul]

Thanks for the prompt reply.
I’m thinking despite being in good employment/financial standing the current best route for ILR for AB is the 10 year UK resident route (with extensions until that time either in the FP or M category).

Yes if you wishes so provided the route remain operative by then. But do keep in mind that for this route (ILR long residence) there is a absence threshold unlike to SET M. About it you can ask or read in ILR section.

[Alexa1]

Got it. 540 days in 10 or 180 in 1 year for the long residence and I guess unlimited for the SET M. I guess you do have to take in consideration that anything can change in a few years. Thanks again!