When I called to activate my new card (a few days ago), the CSR said that the 80,000 bonus points would post 6 to 8 weeks after my first purchase. (Obviously, for some people it seems to post sooner than that.)
When I filled out the application, I put in my PC number. (I know this for sure because I printed out my application.)
My Visa card guide brochure says Gold status, but I'm confident it will be Platinum status (which I am currently anyhow). I noticed that the issue date on the back of the brochure is 04/15/10, so obviously, the info in it cannot be counted on to be up-to-date.