Discard doesn't mean throw away, its not considered as a case, the case is completely rejected, one has to refile in such cases, this is what happened with me, when I applied for 485, along with my documents I had to send them the 485 fees, my attorney asked me to send a check in his name, he would go through all documents and reissue a check to INS, but instead of reissuing the check, he sent my check which was in favour of my attorney to INS, INS discarded my case and asked me to refile, as a result my 485 RD which would have been OCT 2001 becase DEC 2001. That's what I meant by discard, if documents are not proper INS sends an RFE, but if payment is not proper they don't even entertain your case.
Also regarding my EAD renewal, when I filed for it, 2 or 3 weeks later after getting the receipt notice, I called INS for the time frame, she told me my case went through preliminary check and now its waiting to be assigned which would take couple of weeks, I don't understand why they check it twice.
Regarding your case did your payment get clear, you can check with your bank or call up INS, and you can inquire about your AP as well as EAD, you don't have to be tensed you still have around 2 months, should be ok.
And I am sorry if my prior mail tensed you, or caused any confusion.
All the best
Sanjay