I successfully got my app through Apple's checks but I performed one more step than you.
Perhaps the "Make ipa" does not use the changed config.xml file?
I edited the config.xml file and removed the lines for the capabilities I didn't require (e.g. push etc).
But, then I exported to Xcode and recompiled there (as I add advertising to the code).
Perhaps this is where the difference lies.
regards
Andy.