take from another angle look
I am at same stage as you, I read some articles from web regarding NYDOT issue, the points may make some sense to you but it is only my personal experience.
(1) You have to realize that it is impossible to verify the national interest will be advisely hurt if you go EB2 LCA, the reason is obviously we are not that kind big shot. So dont try to response the letter directly with this question.
(2)When you response to RFE letter, try to orgnize it from two aspects. First, you need demonstrate that your job is very important to national interest(old topic, but tie it carefully with seven categology,ecomomy, job secutiry, health etc). Second, you need tell INS your contribution can not be replaced by any other people with min qualification.
(3) Let us give a inside view, "Go LCA will advisely effect national....." indicated your contribution has to be a substandital leverl which means If you left this contry, they couldn\'t find a min. qualification citizen to replace you so your technology could be go other contries or your absent could cause delay or hurt the benifit of advanced technology...... it also imply that your experience and contribution in your research area must be substantial over your peers.
(4) try to catch several keyword: "inertic merit; substantial contribution; your qualification....
I think you will be fine if you focus on these topic and try to forget about the question on RFE list.