residence permit in 30 days

i have Q1 visa. it says that one should apply for residence permit within 30 days. So went to apply for it on the 28th day from my entry. but the officials says i was supposed to apply in 15 days, or at least 7 days in advance of deadline. So im very confused, do i have apply that early?
Secondly, when i apply for renewal for the permit, officials also require me to come in advace of 7days before deadline. But the earlier i apply for renewal the shorter is my extension date.
i.e., my residence permit expires in 2016.12.10, and i went to renewal for the duration of six months on 2016.12.03, the extension date comes up like 2016.06.02. I
I was expecting the renewd date should be 2016.06.09. So im little confused, is it common everywhere in china?