Certainly, Matthew. But I will firstly explain about the visa application form, and the way I completed it. Also what else I believe is needed to give you some context.
My current visa is an L that will last for 6 months, and will expire very soon. I applied for a new L visa, ticking 2 boxes, one for visiting a Chinese relative, and the other for touring. This means I have 2 reasons to be in China, to be with my Chinese wife, and for travelling, maybe alone. It's okay to tick 2 boxes, as the form doesn't restrict you to tick just one.
My most recent date of entry into China was of the order of four years ago. The questions were asked after my application form had been submitted and checked.

Question 1: Why am I applying for an L visa?
Question 2: Why have I been in China for four years without going to my homeland?
Answer,Q1: for two reasons, visting my wife, and touring
Answer Q2: Because I prefer living in China

My answers were grudgingly accepted!

By the way, I had applied for a 0 entry L visa. But they wanted to issue me a single entry L visa. The latter is 145 yuan more expensive than the former! I didn't even get an apology!
As usual, I have asked for a new one-year L visa. But though they could give me one, as happens in most other places when a foreign applicant has a Chinese relative, they won't, and needn't. But they are obliged to give me at least a 6-month visa.
I paid the visa fee, 160 yuan, without knowing what I have paid for re visa duration. The clerkess can't decide that. The big cheese will decide it at his convenience. I don't think he trusts laowei!