I have to say do yourself means lots of work. but I learn a lot from that.
my case was not update a lot. but my field changed to be related to one of US disease which may help.
the good thing if do yourself is only you know how important your work is. and you may emphasis all the point.
and the support letter is the most important, that change a lot, with all positive comments. this should be the most important.
And...the luck is another out of control thing. I have to say we are backuck before. maybe not this time.