If you're in the fence on sending your renewal early or not, it's totally your decision. That way I see is it is that worst case scenario they'll send it back and maybe take your $500. I'm not trying to be condescending but to me $500 it's nothing compared to getting 2 more years. Most likely you will still be able to apply later this year but I'm not risking it.

I sent mine at 200ish days.