The fact remains that a
PIO can give wrong or misleading info and get away with it as long as it is not challenged and proved wrong etc. In your case you could do so because you had solid evidence to prove the
PIO wrong. Now that chapter is over. IF you want to take that to the logical conclusion you can go on appeal to
CIC and ultimately penalty may be levied on the
PIO for knowingly furnishing incorrect information, provided you can prove that he did it 'knowingly'. But as already stated by you the
PIO says that the records have been weeded out. That is a valid reason.