Zero entitlement to core finance due to ELQ (not an exception course)'

I applied for a full time PGCE (Secondary) course with QTS and received the decision ''Zero entitlement to core finance due to ELQ (not an exception course)'.
Is the quickest/easiest route to resolution an appeal?

Hi there,
You've likely applied for a course longer than the two years of a PGCE that offers full funding or maybe selected you have a qualified teacher status.
The student room is about to close for the day but you can contact us until 7.pm via the steps below: https://www.gov.uk/contact-student-finance-england where we can also access your account and further assist. Thanks, Jason

Hi there
The course duration is 1 year. I do not have qualified teacher status. I indicated that was the case during the application process.
I have previously studied a PGCE which did not lead to QTS (post compulsory education and training), basically it's for teaching in FE colleges. To add to the confusion my application is showing as'approved'. I only noticed this decision notice when I checked online.

Thanks. We can't access accounts on this platform. If you contact us via the link above (either the live chat in your account or via 0300 100 0607) we can further assist and help you get this resolved. Thanks, Jason

Thanks Jason. Your online chat agent doesn't understand the rules. He just keeps making up different reasons for refusal.
First he said I earned too much. I said that's irrelevant here. Secondly he said it's because I've applied for a course that isn't exempt.
I pointed out that neither statement is true, then he said he had a new reason: it's because I've got a PGCE already and therefore the rules state I can't get finance for another. Obviously we know that isn't what the rules say, but gatekeeper says no. He's refusing to transfer me to someone else and keeps quoting the standard rules (not ELQ rules) at me.
Am I better off just appealing and hoping whoever deals with it understands the rules?
Thanks again.

Hi there,
Because we access accounts on this platform I would advise contacting us again via the chat or on telephone so we can check the account and then advise next steps (referring or to send an appeal). Thanks, Jason

As I said, I did contact SFE via chat. I've raised the appeal, it'll be quicker.