I agree 100% Kidd … the more streamline the sign-up process, the more likely somebody will sign up for your program because of the little hassle involved.
With that being said, you also have to be a little suspicious of some affiliate programs who approve you right away IMO, because if they approved you immediately … is there really an application process in place? With our particular program, we at least review the application thoroughly and contact the applicants with questions prior to approval – If this is considered a hassle, I think it’s worth it because ALL affiliates in your network are promoting the same products. If you have a couple of bad apples in the bunch, it makes the rest of the “team” look bad, so actually taking the time to approve the proper affiliates is very important. If you have even just one affiliate promoting the same product that you’re promoting in a negative context, it can and will reflect poorly on you and your efforts indirectly.
Great point though … and I agree that a few weeks to wait for approval is a little lengthy, however I also feel strongly that hasty application approvals might quickly prove to be counterproductive.