If you apply for online visas beforehand, you will not need the full page sticker, so do your homework, give yourself plenty of time and you will be fine.
It can't hurt to try but I think it has to be in person if it's (a) your first time, or (b) your first time using a new passport.
Given that we now know it's not integrated with the main immigration system, I'm guessing your first visit is where they capture your passport details/image(s) and put them in the TM47 system.