Having dealt with the NY office as well and after emailing back and forth with them they gave me the option of sending them a signed letter declaring I will get the 30 day extension and taking full responsibility and expenses from any overstay expenses, which they accepted and gave me my visa
last couple years I had no problems with 1 week hotel booked and 90 day return flight, this year they wanted full accommodation and said I could send them a signed letting saying I would take responsibility for extending my visa and any costs from overstay.
I booked a cancelable 3 month stay through Agoda and worked fine