Sparx,
Cross country for CPL is same as for PPL - you did that in air law, yes?
Application? CPL - same as any other licence as per Lasors and JAR-FCL.
Application? Class rating (if applicable), same as all class ratings as per LASORS and JAR-FCL.
Start course? Correct. You may commence with less than 100 hours command time - but absolutely no point in "burning" 200 hours then "burning" the extra 20 (per your suggestion). Use all the hours for professional training and practice BEFORE you are examined on those skills.