METV Visa Application, Running Out Of Time Before Flight

I applied for a METV on August 30th, on Sept 9th they asked for additional paperwork, which I had already submitted originally, but whatever, I resubmitted it the same down. My application now says, "Pending Issuance."

My flight leaves September 28th (Tuesday of next week) and I'm starting to get worried I won't get my METV in time.

I email the LA Consulate (I'm American) and they just said, "It take 15 business days, please be patient."

Would calling the consulate help speed things up? Could I got on a 45 day visa waiver, get my METV visa when I'm in the country, and do a border run to activate it? Just looking for options as I'm starting to worry.