Agreed, though I've had £10 credit going for about a decade (no joke), as the per minute rate is so low. But many long calls to the same destination could be cheaper with a sub.
No, HCM approved, then I applied for Dependent visas from Jakarta. Jakarta asked for the Indonesia stamps (after we had left), so we went back to Indonesia (it's a ferry ride from Singapore) and got fresh stamps, which they accepted with a letter of explanation (where I said we travelled to Singapore for holiday festivities - "tugging at the heart strings").
Jakarta was reasonably quick, even considering it was holiday period. I applied 26th, asked for extra info the 30th, sent 31st. Received approval the 2nd.
I thought it was quite clear in the app. I get you're direct, but you might want to consider phrasing. In my humble opinion, the subscription was worth the cost considering I had to do multiple visa applications with dozens of documents. But I'll let you do your own research.
Wait and see. It might be ok. I didn't have to return for HCM - I provided Entry Stamp, stamped receipt from hotel. Did not get asked for more.
In Jakarta, I only provided a stamped hotel letter (addressed to Embassy). They asked for photo of the entry visa and stamps, but the exit was stamped over the entry - so they could see we'd left while they were processing. It was easy for us to go back, and armed a better bet than starting over, but maybe you get lucky.
If they do ask for proof, I suggest including an explanatory letter.