Yes, it is an annoying system but stick with it, you will get used to its little quirks.
After you have used it a few times it will keep some of the information in memory which will then be offered as an entry. This can save a lot of time.
Make sure that you receive the acknowledging email, if you do not, then your report is not in the system.
I always file my return eapis before I leave home. This makes things easier as you are working with your own computer.