I realize now that mrs. brp should have had a filled out regular form and just gone to the special assistance desk right there since one machine was broken and one was, shall we say, blocked.
Some recommend filling out the blue form just in case. I prefer to take my chances personally, and I would say in the times I've come into LAX - all TBIT though - that GE has been a huge win over the standard lanes, especially with the exit line for customs. Also, you reduce the chances of encountering a surly CBP officer at passport control. The GE kiosk doesn't have a bad day.