Did you ask why? Appears to me that they just want to make some money. Why in the world you should spend money when your AP is still valid.
Apart from this, I don't think INS will accept request for extension this early.
Next time you call, tell them that you want to talk to the lawyer. Most people who posts here stating "I called my lawyer..." or "My lawyer told me..." really talks to the paralegals, not the lawyers themselves. While some paralegals are pretty knowlegeable, most know nothing about immigration law (or any law for that matter). Legally, they are not supposed to give advice, but they do.
