For the rest of your questions, I can not answer since i have no clue about what you have submitted.
If you would like to get my suggestions, please give more information about your submitted case, such as how many recommendation letters and source, and your background info, and what type of supporting documents so that I can analyze your case. Then I will give you my suggestions. You can send your info to my mailbox if you want.
Do you hire a lawyer? If you think he/she is competent, you should discuss your case with him/her. They should tell you what to do and how to do.
Good luck.