Yep, life isn't always "fair." As stated FAFSA rules are what they are. If you want to change them, file a petition for rule making with the Department of Education and see where that gets you. I've never done it with that agency but I'm batting 50-50 on the DOT (one they accepted, the other they denied with a lot of double talk, but it was rendered moot while I was arguing because they made another interpretation that made the point I was arguing no longer matter).