OK - so that policy is specific to the NYC consulate, then? 'Cause I'd be allowed to do it for her at the DC consulate, regardless of whether or not she herself were present, if only she lived within the DC consulate's jurisdiction.

Is there anywhere you can point me to on the website that gives that specific information? I'm not trying to contradict you, I'm just curious why they'd even bother to list a fee of $20 on the website for "Processing of visa applications not presented personally by the passport holder" (see http://en.brazilny.org/index.php?/co.../consular_fees)?