The other advantage of Tokyo over Barnstaple is that it gave her stronger opposition to test herself against. The experience of playing top WTA players is just as important as the points for winning matches in lower grade tournaments.
As for the fixation with AO qualification, as well as being an extra tournament, it means there is a chance its televised and we get to watch the matches rather than read scores.
Perhaps I've read the WTA guidelines wrong but after skim reading it looks like she went out to asia to qualify for last week's WTA event because, in addition to the 11 events or whatever, you can attempt to qualify for 3 WTA events?
It just then makes sense to stay put? Perhaps I've understood them wrong.
Whatever the result, if she beats Beltrame she'll secure nearly as many points as a SF finish at Barnstable, right?