I'm starting to think that online job applications are purposefully set up to totally frustrate you and see how well you can handle that frustration. If you manage to get *anything* submitted, without complaint, it shows that you *can* handle it (frustration), which is obviously one of the job requirements for the position you are applying for.

Which makes me think, if this is how the job is going to be (continually frustrating), do I (we) really want it?
or...
They already have someone for the position but are required by some law or union agreement to post it, and they make the application so complicated that you give up in frustration.