i don't fancy flying around just for the fun of it
This sums up everything that is wrong with the training system today. Years ago people did just get a PPL for the fun of it, then when they happened to have 3-400 hours just for fun, they decided they may as well use that experience for something constructive and "self improve" up to the CPL. These days, it's all about minimum hours, ignoring quality or actual experience level.
I don't see why you're confused though, you've summed up the requirements well.
You need 150 hours total time to start the CPL course.
You need 200 hours total time including 100 hours PIC to get the licence issued, which is after you've completed the course and passed the test.
How and when you build that PIC and total time is up to you.