Keep yourself in status
I fall into the same situation with you zhm.
I got married at the end of March. I was doing OPT and it ended enf of May. After that i had 30 days to get back into school or to change status. I was admitted to a school program before this, I am doing good.
I got my Notice at the end of June. I have talked to some people who is familiar with the situation ( I did not have the money to talk to a lawyer), technically, you married a USC, the previous records of overstaying or illegally working can be ruled out. There might be some paperwork you have to file out or some interviews to do so (ask carefully before you take this risk).
To maintain a F1 status, from what I heard and in my opinion is a back up. If your application failed, then you will be ask to leave because you have no status. On the other hand, if you are still a F1 student, then at least you are still in a legal status, and you are apply for a review of your case or whatever is needed.
I am taking my classes now, and plan to finish the degree even after I get my green card. I just do not have to maintain full time status after that.
Hope this will help.