Non political, you addressed your questions to Neville but I would like to respond to your post.
I do not believe that there is a “mainstream Orthodox position” of that Rashi despite Neville’s insistence. I have listened to a few Yeshivish/Litvish ( I dont know what they call themselves as I am Chassidish) rabbis talking about Yaacov lo meis and NONE said that it means that Yaacov’s body is alive. I have read a few articles written by Yeshivish/Litvish Rabbis and in NONE of the articles did it say that Rashi means that Yaacov’s guf is alive. My husband is Chassidish and he also was not taught that that Rashi means that Yaacov’s guf is alive.
What I’m saying here does not reflect on Chassidim in general, but as a Chassidishe myself, I know that in some Chassidishe circles they think it’s my way or the highway.