[Bald Sparrow]

Checking should include EVERYTHING, not just return when the first thing is found wrong without going deeper into any application.

This seems to be standard in the CAA, not just FCL.
I think that, once they have found something wrong with you application, they can stop the clock on meeting their service target of x days to turn around an application.
Maybe that's CAA policy or the way employees work the system.

[JodelDavo]

Is this actually another WFH issue? I guess that many can't get secure access to data systems at home. I'm having a similar problem trying to get a GHIC. Every document needs to be in my full name, no utilities do that, I sent copies of my driving licence which has full name and address but apparently isn't acceptable...

When I worked there, we had a secure link to any systems for laptop use out of office. I guess it’s still the same now.

Might be easier to take it to the CAA service desk and show it in person…. Oh, wait a minute, that’s not there anymore.

[NigelC]

It's standard civil service procedure, make sure you are months behind due to "lack of staff / resources / training " and spend the annual budget in 10 months.
This ensures an ever growing workforce and budget while allowing a 2-3 day week "working" from home and a magnificent work-life balance on top of solid gold with diamonds pensions all round,
Why on earth did I resign from the Ministry of Defence in 1978?

[kanga]

It's standard civil service procedure, ..a 2-3 day week "working" from home and a magnificent work-life balance on top of solid gold with diamonds pensions all round,
Why on earth did I resign from the Ministry of Defence in 1978?

I gather you have not stayed abreast of CS Pension scheme rules in the intervening decades, nor are familiar with the CS WFH policies in many Departments (where office premises may not be able to accommodate their staff because of poor maintenance under 'sale and leaseback with outsourced services' of recent decades)