File the appropriate suffix, put NEGATIVE RVSM in the remarks section, file your preferred altitude and when you check in with Center say "negative RVSM" and getting up to altitude shouldn't be an issue...although there very well may be a delay for the climb (which would allow you to get to VMo and have plenty of energy for an aggressive climb rate).

How long has FSDO had your manual? If its been more than 3-4 weeks a call to the inspector to see what the problem is might be useful...