^^ The above should have read that I see little point somebody appealing against an incorrectly refused short term family visit visa.

I'm posting from my phone and have thick fingers.

If an applicant chooses to add information that was lacking in the original application then I see nothing wrong with an appeal charge (of course pointless if a new application is cheaper!). There is a big difference between an incomplete application and a ECO mistake.

Where an ECO gets it wrong (as with the case of the incorrect refusal you mention) it is completely unacceptable for a non-refundable charge to be made to correct a mistake. My view, will of course rock the government to the roots and bring about an instant change to this unfairness!

The new appeals procedure means that the ECO has no reason to worry about making errors because the applicant is likely to send in a fresh application rather than appeal and expose the mistake. An important check and balance is therefore being removed for a common visa type.