Firstly, to answer your specific question, there is no UK law stating the couple should meet again prior to a visa application.
There is however a requirement of the Immigration Rules stating that the couple have actually met in person.
Under the new rules there are new objective guidelines that caseworkers will follow.
The purpose of these new guidelines is twofold. Firstly, to minimise the levels of discretion that happened previously and secondly to place a higher level of emphasis on objective evaluation of the genuineness of relationship.
You will need to review and understand the methodology used by UKBA of how they intend to establish whether your relationship with your partner is
genuine and subsisting
Follow that link above and then scroll down to the heading "More Information".
Click on the link "Further investigations" and review the details.
Note those reasons for further investigation/scrutiny, such as:-
- where "you and your partner do not live together (unless one of you is working or studying away from home)"
- or there is no evidence that you have ever co-habited since the marriage.
- where "you do not share financial or other domestic responsibilities"
Make no mistake, having physical contact between the couple during the intervening period is a very positive factor.
Genuine relationships are not too difficult to support, but under the plan you outline you will need to provide significant extra evidence to demonstrate a current, genuine and subsisting relationship.