it depends on ur situation.

in my case, i did go ahead send in the fee to DOS so i could check the status online. about the DOS statement, u just need to make it short and straight to the point and clearly state why u MUST stay here. from my experience, DOS really didn't care that much about what i wrote there. if u r applying for the NO-Objection waiver, as long as chinese embassy has no problem letting u go, they will give u the recommendation under normal circumstances.