I think they basically make an instant decision. If that decision is against you then they will just make up arguments and evidence to justify it constantly shifting goalposts (imagine your UKBA contact is a certain recently banned poster). As in case 1 of your previous links. If it is entry refusal there is no appeal but if it is for settlement you can appeal through the courts which is what I did. At that point, I guess aware their case was total bollocks, they backed down. If their decision is favourable then you are fine.