I would say renew it now. You can never predict BCIS. They never lack excuses for delay, plus holiday season is coming.
I am also a Oct 2001 filer and my current EAD will expire in mid Dec 03. I had it renewed at end of Aug, it was approved by end of Sept. but some people took longer. maybe you can wait one more week.
Totally lost hope on this GC thing. just cannot play with these VSC suckers any more. what a hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!