You do NOT have ALL the valid document to return

Got it?
You need to have visa on your passport to come back no matter what, only I-94 is not enough. Others may have only I-94 or even driver's license that came back succesfully. But they still break the law, just didn't get caught.

This sounds harsh to you. How long you have legally stayed in California is beyond the point. Also, anyone who claim that he/she can guanrantee you a visa is taking advantage of you. Do not waste your money on such promise if any. You should be aware of that. You may need a good lawyer's opion on if you can get around the 180 day/3 year ban based on the fact that the 2nd time, the bordre officer let you in for deferred inspection? and they didn't schedule the hearing sooner? so can the illegal stay's clock start at the judgement's day? If you can clear this step, then you have a chance to argement before the visa officer. Otherwise, visa officer wouldn't be able to help you even they want to. When you are before the visa officer, you better start by saying I made a mistake because of my ignorance of the law, rather arguing you had all the documents, and the border officer was wrong by not letting you in.

You need to be releastic by planning the alternative.