NYC consulate was easy for me...for the METV you want to get it as close to your departure date as possible since once its in your Passport you lose start to lose days on the visa...i went on a Monday and had the visa on a Wednesday super easy
On the insurance initiative supposedly the Thai govt has sanctioned a few health insurance companies that they will only accept for the visas and no others at this time...so having a travel insurance might not suffice to meet their rigid guidelines at this time for the visa...so look into that
You should be fine with the SETV...if not you get 2 land border crossings per calendar year (Jan - Dec)...just go prepared with all your paperwork and have your confirmation appointment slip