I guess there is a lot of problems with this form. Understanding it. Completing it. Some would like to change it but I guess it's not that simple.
I just completed the FAFSA a few months ago (and I've filled it out a few times before that) and I don't see what's so daunting about it. I'll grant that it's intensive, but not overwhelming to the point where I'd pay $80-100 for someone to fill it out for me. I wish the article had been more specific in indentying what, exactly, was the problem. If it's the 6 pages that's the problem I say: "Good luck in college kiddo." I'm not saying it's perfect, but what is?
IMO, the writer is manufacturing outrage by telling me that some parents give up because they can't figure our the FAFSA thereby not getting needed aid. He wants me to feel sorry for them. I don't.