my understanding of it is that HPV may lead to cervical cancer, and that is all the vaccine is preventing - HPV only, not actual cervical cancer. A woman can still end up with cervical cancer even if she has had the vaccine for HPV.
Yep. The leaflet that comes with the vaccine actually advises NOT to have the vaccine if you currently have HPV.

So, how many people actually had a pap just before having the shot? Otherwise you woudn't know if you had HPV at the time. It's estimated that appx 80% of people will carry the HPV virus at one stage or another.

ETA - I have done a search to find the original leaflet that I read which noted that Gardasil should not be administered if HPV is already present as it may aggrevate. I can not find it.

However, I read this with my own eyes. I apologise that I can't put up a link. Maybe if I search further I will find it again. It would seem it was in one of the original leaflets.