The ever growing backlog has made the difference, else many have previously got their nods with even lower IELTS score in that NOC. This is just s tough time for 4131 and probably for other NOCs such as 0213 which has been represented by scores of people.
yes Maaties
he should take IELTS now and show the IO the registration paper, this might allow him some time, as some london office has given such time to an applicant. again, the whole thing largely fall into the mindset of the IO.
The negative side is that, taking IELTS again could make very little difference, he'd be tensed during the test, he needs to keep his temper down and win the race now.