I think it is quite common to be told to push solids when FF babies are moving up the growth curves because when they gain weight too quickly they lay down fat cells that increase the chances of being obese as an adult. That is why the recs for hungry babies over 6mo are often for them to fill up on solid foods like veg that don't have as many calories but fill their tummies meaning they don't overeat on formula.
It is actually bad for LOs to pull up on fingers if they can't do so on an inanimate object such as cot bars. I think it is to do with their core muscles not being developed enough but I bet if you post on the Growth and Development board your will get a better explanation. Crawling is invaluable for left-right brain pathways that help with skills such as handwriting in later life so you don't really want your LO to skip that if at all possible although you can compensate with crawling games when older if they do.
My experience of HVs is also that they give advice based on their own experience instead of the expert guidelines. This can be why even when they do get things right they don't actually know the science behind the advice and don't explain it properly leaving mamas confused.
If you checkout the nhs website it recommends moving to 3 meals only between 8-9mo so your LO is certainly not behind in that area.
Looking at the solids you mention, many do seem to be quite high in fat and sugar (roast potatoes, fruit and rusks for example) so pushing those is unlikely to help slow growth. You may want to try to give more of the other foods you are already giving like veg and lean meats.
