My h1b visa is about to expire on 02/26/2009.My company had applied for an extension 3 months back which is still not approved.Today they upgraded it to premium processing.
My I-94 is valid till march 08 2009.I have the following questions

1)Can I apply for an H1 to h4 change of status as a safetynet?Is it possible to withdraw the h1 to h4 change of status petition if my h1 extension goes through?

2)Will USCIS consider the last h1 to h4 petition and stop processing my h1 extension all together?

3)Is it safe to apply for h1 to h4 change of status after the H1b visa expires but before I-94 expires?