Tier 1 assistance

I am in the process of applying for a tier 1 extension and I need to clarify a few things please. My visa is due to run out in March 2012. Can someone please tell me
1. How to get a premium appointment booking- I keep checking online and ringing up but there are never any appointment slots available. Are there any tricks to getting appointments
2. What are the waiting times if I send it in via post i.e. how long would I be without my passport for
3. What is a biometric residence permit and how do I get one. When I first applied from Australia in 2008 I believe that they took some of this information from me but I can't remember
4. Do I need to send my qualificaion degree if I claimed points for it last time as my degree certificate is still in Australia
5. I worked part of this year as a self contractor through my own limited company- i.e. my paychecks are not simply pay as you earn from your employer. Is this a problem and is there anything I need to do extra?
6. What are my options for getting a company to do all of thi for me and what would be the cheapest total cost (INCLUDING visa processing costs)

Please continue in your previous topic.