All I know is that I have a Samsung Galaxy phone and it was quite a struggle getting my contacts over to my new iPad until I got the app I listed above but you've listed a free way so more power to you!
Using the Google Contacts web interface in a browser, I exported my contacts to my desktop and uploaded the vcard file on iCloud.com. Then just synced my new iPad.
Good deal. It's nice to have choices. I know my app was either $1 or $2 and I like it because I have an Android phone so it is easy to not only sync my contacts but to stay updated on a day to day basis.