Longstay(ILR) - Gap

HI there,
I'm sorry if this has been covered already, but I can't seem to find the topic.

I entered the UK initially in Jan 1998 for A-levels. My student visa was valid till June 1999. I left in June 1999 to go back home for summer holiday, and subsequently due to close friend dying, I stayed till September. During that period of time, I have been offered a place in uni. I got a fresh Visa in Sept on my return. Since then, I've been on that visa followed by HSMP.

My question is
(1)due to the gap between June till Sept 1999, will my application for ILR under longstay be rejected?
(2)Do they consider compassionate grounds?
(3)Would it be better to apply for ILR in Sept 2009?

Hi, I'm afraid that because your visa expired after you left in June 99, your 10-year clock has been reset according to the new IDIs. The immigration professionals on the board will tell you if there's any case to be made for compassionate circurmstances but it doesn't look good.