I called CSC at 949-389-3007 and the lady I spoke was very cool (yaah I was astonished).. You r right in that only our employers need to track our 140 and only they can get the status information as we r only beneficiaries. But 485, we can do it ourselves, I guess. Anyways, give it a try and I don't think they can put u in jeopardy if you call (that's my own opinion).
Btw, the lady I spoke herself told that she can't release information (duh?) about my I-140, I requested again and then she revealed me the status.. good luck!