fatcat, I got through around 3:30 pm et on the first try. You won't get a VIN until youre at C status or better. Your VON is what the CSR will use and will verify the name that the order is placed under in the mean time.
I believe status changes as scheduling takes place. Scheduling is done the month before the work occurs. I was told that the next status change will be mid July when the plant shuts down and the schedule is set for September. The current status reflects Augusts schedule.