Thanks for the feedback, folks.

I called the EWMBA office and talked to Sara and Elisabeth Merkel.  There is a place on the Haas application from, where one can explain why he is not getting his boss's reco.  Apparently this happens often enough ...

And I found out about the "feedback for the waitlisted" too late.  I had read that Haas does not offer feedback ... and assumed it to apply to everyone.  In any case, I have gone ahead with R1 application ... with the explanation about not getting my boss's reco.

It is also a good idea to bring up such an issue in the interview ... and deal with the matter fair-and-square ...  and let the chips fall where they may.

I think I am in a tough pool of applicants ... a lot of techies.  So I am looking at other schools also.  UCLA FEMBA has cought my eye ... and I'll probably apply for R2 there.  I am also debating about USC Exec MBA ... but I am not sure if will help me make the switch to the field of venture finance and technology investment ...

I also want to look at other well-ranked part-time programs ... will fly once a week if needed ...