As you say, this is a Rumour dreamed up within your Company, I have not heard this anywhere and I doubt we will.
Normally to undertake an upgrade to LHS the candidate requires the ATPL before the start of the course.
As mentioned, some authorities alreday have PIC ratings endorsed after the LHS check, Spain, Austria for instance, but this has nothing to do with ATPL issue.
I really would not concern yourselves with this " Rumour"