Hi Lauren,
Thank you.
We applied for the visitor visa (no paperwork lol) hoping the 309/100 would be approved by then, if not we would apply for the 600 extension before the visitor expired.
When you apply for the 600 and exemption, it asks you, if you have applied for a visa, that’s where we put the 309/100. So they will be aware without you mentioning it in your reason for returning.
I assume what happened with my husband is, the 600 request got them to look at how far along his 309/100 application was in terms of nearing completion and grant that instead. From what I have read on this board, they usually send RFI when they are about to finish as people get a RFI and a month later, it’s granted.
I hope you get your good news soon