Okay.... so you are right in principle. Unfortunately, our local IO prefers it if you would use an agent. They hate the paperwork. They hate the banks when they get the letter wrong or when they have to photocopy bank books and have to read the codes for deposits, and frankly, have to deal with the entire matter. In short.... "See agent" is what many here get told. Now if you want to believe that there are bribes or under the table deals... welcome to SEA. It has been a system that has existed or decades. It may not be the way things are supposed to be done... but it is the way things get done.
good idea... I will enjoy my time and my life here but WITHOUT the joy and excitement and fun dealing with the IM. I will live my life and let someone else deal with the formalities. The cost of doing things this was should not be the issue... for enjoying your life without the worry, hassle, and time spent at the IM office is the issue.