But now the system has changed! So, I have to accept a one-year RP instead. OK, I have no problems with that, though I think being forced to do a med is a piece of nonsense.

Fair enough, nowt personal meant. I'm also going through the same visa crap. It has always been that way to get an RP though alas. Things have changed after july 1st no doubt, and will continue to do so. At least if you get the rp, it will save on messing about with L visas. I do know hohhot and baotou are different cities, it is still the same autonomous region and they have always done things differently there, even before all these strict rules. I have had trouble in both baotou and hohhot with visas.