Actually, it is pretty straight forward. You either meet the requirements or you don't. Checkster said "it is not cast in stone". It is however, black and white. Look at CARS 421.34 If you have a valid Canadian Multi IFR, (Group 1) and write the SAMRA and SARON and meet the very well defined minimum hours, then you can apply.
I think where people think things are handled on a case by case basis, they have some ambiguous hours.
eg: "I logged PIC while my friend was logging dual"
"I was flying with friend while he was doing a cargo run so I logged dual"
Also watch for right seat on a single pilot aircraft. You are not an F/O unless the ops manual requires an F/O. Also remember that F/O time counts at 50%.
Good Luck