My other concern is: you can apply for the 7th year H1-B and use it WHILE YOUR CASE IS STILL PENDING. Once the decision is made -- let's hope it is not a denial, but for the sake of argument let's say it is and it comes after December 2004 -- you will almost INSTANTLY lose your H status.
In other words, if you apply for a 7th year H1-B, it will become useless if the following takes place: if your case is denied after December 2004. I'm not sure you'll have the time to do much by then.
Sorry I wasn't thinking clearly when I posted the previous response.