The timescales are also different for GFA, so you have a bit longer to apply and perhaps even have another crack. Also, if you ran the qualifier in the London race, just point them to that; no real need to send it in.
I've done GFA entries for 7 years now and, as you say, it's worth it just to avoid the ballot and charity place madness. They also relaxed them from 3 hours to 3:10 (for under 40s) just last year, which they previously were back in 2002, so you want to seize the opportunity before they change their minds again.
It makes sense to the organisers, because it's a way of spreading the field out better; as you will hopefully see, the finish area is amazingly empty at around that point and only really starts getting manic 15 or 20 minutes later, by which time you're in the Red Lion with a fresh pint.
