Sahar and Benji,
I'm in the same situation as you, only 2008 with CN AS16'000.
I am on F1 also, so I chose AOS last year. my number is not current yet, it might be in August.
due to the risks that you just talked about (losing F1, if AOS is not completed in-time), I haven't done anything after informing KCC of doing AOS last year.
at this point, I might just give up, because I don't want to risk my current status and future.
till recently, I didn't know that DV lottery might risk my F1 Visa. you guys that know this, might want to consider this right now !
we can share our hearings/experiences on this, more
good luck