The new method has to do with the ARS procotol of apple, they haven't changed the rules.
So there are 2 options:
1. Call them, explain you need an ARS and that according to the ARS rules you will receive the iPhone first (and that you want that so you can use the iPhone for your work immediately etc.), they'll ask for cc details and serial number (easy to get)
2. E-mail them about your problem, and that a friend linked you to the ARS faq page and you want to make use of that service, they'll e-mail back asking for cc details and serial, done.