UK Global Talent visa after an Australian PhD: which route, when to apply, and is moving worth it?

Hi everyone, I’m an international researcher based in Australia, considering the UK Global Talent visa. Keeping identifying details broad for privacy.
My background:

Bachelor’s degree in statistics.

Recently submitted a health-related PhD at an Australian university; the degree hasn’t been formally awarded yet.

Research experience across public health, epidemiology and quantitative health research, with peer-reviewed publications.

Experience in statistical analysis, observational studies, evidence synthesis and research methods.

University teaching, tutoring and marking across quantitative and health-related subjects.
Interested in postdoctoral, research and longer-term faculty positions.

I’ve been reading the official research and academic routes, but would appreciate practical advice:

Which route fits? Is Exceptional Promise through peer review worth considering at my stage, or should I first target an eligible UK appointment, fellowship or UKRI-funded role? Would my field fit the Royal Society or British Academy?

Apply now or wait? Has anyone succeeded after thesis submission but before the PhD was awarded? Would waiting for the award or some postdoctoral experience materially strengthen an application?

Recommendations: Do I need a nominator, a recommendation letter, or institutional support depending on the route? For peer review, how did you identify and approach a suitable UK-based expert who genuinely knew your work?

Preparation and mistakes: What evidence best demonstrates promise beyond publication counts? What commonly causes refusals, and is professional application support worth paying for?

Settlement: Under current rules, what is the realistic timeline from moving on this visa to ILR, then citizenship and a British passport? Which requirements or delays do people underestimate?

Australia versus the UK: For someone at my career stage, is moving worthwhile considering research opportunities, contract security, salaries, housing and immigration costs? Would you secure a UK job first, or prioritise building a career and pursuing settlement in Australia?

Would especially appreciate experiences from researchers who applied around PhD completion or moved from Australia, including what you wish you’d known beforehand.