When it was announced, it was labelled a pilot project. I.e.: Beta.
People were convincing themselves it would be faster because ... well, because 'online' has to be faster? (No obvious reason to believe that).
When in fact the pilot project terminology amounted to a warning. Also they deliberately made it harder to find.
Anyway, at least you're clear it was just a guess on your part that didn't work out. I have seen many posts that seem to imply that they were somehow unfairly deceived by the online application.