The Radex system was not introduced to make it easier for the foreigner to apply for temporary or permanent residency.
It was (and is) designed as a trap for "irregulars" to self identify and provide their location in Argentina, making it easier for migraciones to "find" them.
PS: Perhaps as well as a means of eliminating multiple visits by applicants who don't yet have all of their papers in order.
This is so true.
But you missed one thing - Radex is made to make money.
You first have to pay and then you are attaching millions of documents, which could be the case will never be submitted in full, i.e. case will be freezed forever.
Do you know it is possible to proceed the case for free? Is there any line saying that on Radex? No. But legally it is possible. When they say the only way is Radex -they making more money, simple as that.