Like Dan wrote regarding the IFR plan. Read it as "IFR procedures", as that's what they're interested in. So if you did a 3 hour flight on an IFR plan, but did 0 I.F. (cavok day), it's still 3 hours IFR procedures, and counts towards your totals.
Sadly, GA Driver, an increasing number of employers are going the way of electronic applications. That means that if you don't cross the line (experience-wise), you won't get a look in until you do. Kind of takes away the personal (merit) side of things.
With airlines going for the 'leaner' look, that usually means shedding people from admin roles such as screening every single application on merit. It's more cost effective to do it electronically so that staff can be used more productively in other areas.
Good luck.