I always thought you needed the CPL before you can get paid for your time
Not since Part FCL was adopted in 2012.
I think I read that there is no transition from CPL to fATPL
fATPL simply means you have a CPL/IR with ATPL Exams passed. Those exams have a 3 year validity to obtain both a CPL and an IR. If you don't obtain one or both you have to retake the exams. If you gain the CPL/IR, so long as the IR does not expire by more than 7 years they stay valid, hence the term "frozen"
The main reason I am considering the IR (or IMC,
You only have until April 2014 to get an IMC, maybe not within your time frame.