Thanks for the update Rajulama. I am pretty sure there are lots of people who have taken this route, but nobody has updated the thread yet. I had actually given up on this thread, but you came back again.

I have made up my mind to give NIW a try before its too late. I have started collecting recommendations and I got the first one yesterday. My target is to apply in the first week of June. I will keep you updated on my progress (if you want) as it moves forward. I would be interested to know your outcome. Keep me posted on your progress. You can send me an email if you want.