L1-H1 COS, Been Out of Status for More Than 6 Months

[sparkle1]

I came to US in Dec07 on my L1b-Visa which is valid upto 30-Nov-09. Last year in 2008 I applied and got my H1B-visa. With change of status Visa became effective 1-Oct-08. I haven’t left my L1 company nor have H1B-Visa stamped yet. I want to change my status back to L1b, for that I guess i need to leave the US and re-enter. Im not sure how risky that is. Pls advice
I have 2 questions here
1. Now that Im leaving the country after 180 days after being OOS is there a good chance I'll be denied entery into the US
2. When the Immigration questions me about being OOS what should I answer them? Should I tell them that I had no idea that my H1 was approved.
Pls advice..

[Mr. Knowitall]

Leaving and reentering is probably your best do-it-yourself option, but it's risky; you really should be getting and following the advice of an immigration lawyer. The stakes here are pretty high.