Actually, it does take longer to marry first and go for a spousal visa than applying for a K-1 (from own experience, but that is 14 years ago). Immigration lets you stew for having the audacity to marry first instead of first asking them politely to issue a K-1 visa. If I am not completely mistaken (please don't quote me on this), you cannot file a complaint against a denied spousal visa, but against a K-1, but Iike I said, I might be completely wrong. Rachel probably married him right away before he can run off with someone else - as if that is going to stop him.