jonjon... Nothing is plain and simple in a P.I Government office!!
Not saying that your advice is not correct but you did forget to mention that the I card issued will only be temporary for one year.. If the applicant is living in Manila then its perhaps worth while doing it all here..If living further away however then you also need to think about travel too Intramuros and hotel bills etc a year on..
Personally..Im glad I sorted mine out in the UK...All done and dusted and all permanent in one hit..
Just my view!!
Cheers,
Fred.