Well, this is timely. I posted a few weeks ago a similar post. I just received my METV yesterday, the 16th. I submitted the application to the LA consulate August 6th. I filled in all the blanks as required, received my visa no problems. They didn't come back at me with any further requests. There is no need to justify why you would want one visa over another. You either qualify for the visa you applied for, or you did not. I showed my bank info, with required funds for the past 6 months. Said I'm retired, and stated income. Showed my plane tickets (the return ticket refundable as I don't know yet what my departure plans are, though I will meet my required deadlines). Showed proof of a hotel stay of 5 days as I plan to get an apartment lease. My guess? If you filled in all the blanks properly you should get your visa by the end of this week.