how do we transfer the files from the "upload queue" to the pending area.  I tried the "submit for review" on a couple images but that did not seem to do anything

All you have to do is upload and forget about it with GL.  I don't have model or property releases though, so that might need more work.

I also like the site, it's just much nicer on the eye than some of the old sites.  They have done a great job of keeping it simple and making our images look good.  Sales have been quite good there, they dipped a bit when the site became well know by contributors but that's understandable.

They also have a good referral scheme, so here's my referral link.
http://graphicleftovers.com/ref=sharpshot/

All you have to do is upload and forget about it with GL. 

You can reprice your images though so remember to do this if you are an illustrator and don't want to sell more complex illustrations at the  lowest price.

P.S. I'm another big fan of GL