PE IR - highest comp?

Background: Final-year MSc at a target (Oxbridge/UCL/StA). Locked in a full-time offer at a top PFG shop in London (think EVR/UBS/LAZ), and also set to intern at an EB this summer in M&A. 

Long-Term Goal
Looking to move into PE/Credit/IR at one of the top funds in London (CVC, Advent, EQT, Bridgepoint, etc.) – where IR is treated as true FO (investment-level comp, strategic LP relationship mgmt, fundraising, co-invest structuring, etc.).

Questions

1. For anyone who’s made the jump into IR at one of these platforms – is it better to come in with a PFG background or classic M&A? Noticed a decent amount of M&A alum in IR seats, but curious if PFG gets similar looks.
2. Any ballpark on comp (base + bonus) across levels in IR at these types of shops? Feel like there’s not a ton of visibility vs. investment side.

Would really appreciate any insight – feel free to DM if more comfortable.