Youth Mobility Scheme, Online or Paper Application?

Hi folks,

Probably a silly question but in times of great stress even the simple answers don't come easily.

After the fiasco of the 2011 YMS scheme in which bookings for the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Japan were allowed one day early my girlfriend (Japanese) is now able to attempt another booking tomorrow (10th).

My question is this: would it be preferable to apply using the online application rather than print out the VAF9 form and hand that into the VAC? or do you think it won't really make a difference as whether or not she applies online as the people doing her application in Manila would still need her physical passport anyway?

Sorry for the silly question but I would like to hear others opinions.

Thank you.