Answer:
A. Yes, you are still IFR with VFR-on-top clearance
Explanation:
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) are regulations controlling the operations of civil aviation. Pilots use these terms as well to describe their flight plan.
When your request is rejected to fly 9500 feet from atc, your VFR-on-top clearance is still active and you are still IFR.