请教各位:商业部的IGA WAIVER好办吗? 及其他问题?

I'm a J1 and found recently I cann't get a waiver through "No objection statement". my J1 status will expire in 3 months, I could have 6 months extension through university. but if I do that, the university will not support my status change from J1 to H1B, although they did not say they will not support my IGA waiver. Will they support my IGA waiver? I know it may depends on which university you are, I prefer get some info here before I get from our university.

At the same time, I had a new funding (I'm the PI) from NOAA, the Department of Commerce. I'm wondering if it's good neough to get a IGA waiver through Department of Commerce? or I may need to get a O-1? It'seems O-1 is hard to get. I see recently a guy said here he got his O-1 3 years ago, could this guy please tell us in more detail how strong your case is, so I could use it as a reference? Thank you very much! I'm now in a very unfavorable situation and need your kind help.
By the way, do I need to withdraw or cancel my "No objection statement" waiver application from Department of State before I file a IGA waiver?