Cambridge PhD application via manual route after deadline confusion, looking for advice

I’m looking for opinions from people familiar with Cambridge PhD admissions.

I contacted a supervisor about a PhD project after seeing an advert. The public deadline on the advert had passed, but the supervisor explained that there was confusion regarding the application timeline and that international applicants could still apply through a manual route.

After this, the department helped me complete the application process. The application route was reopened, and I communicated with the department while completing the submission. I submitted my application in June.

After submission, there was an issue with one reference. The department asked my referee to send it directly, and they confirmed on 15 June that the reference had been received.

I know it is still early in the process and I am not assuming an interview or offer. I am mainly curious whether this level of involvement from a department, such as helping with the application route and coordinating references, is a normal part of Cambridge PhD administration or whether it usually happens when an application is being actively considered.

Would appreciate any experiences from people who have gone through Cambridge PhD admissions.