Thank you all, I really appreciate your input and support.
I will file my application sometime next week and try my luck. Is it advisable to attach a letter from my employer for this long outside the USA stay?
My wife will be joining me sometime next month and I will then send her application in (she has about 700 days outside the USA with approved N-470 and REP). Does it make any difference if we file together or separate?
It doesn't hurt to have your employer include letter indicating length of assignment.
It doesn't matter if you apply together or separate from wife as every application is adjudicated on its own merits.