Team-BHP - Guide: How to get a fancy / VIP number in Mumbai (without an agent)

I would like to share my experience of getting a preferred/ fancy number from Thane RTO (without an agent).

Having read the posts in the forum, I did the following things in advance:
1. Checked the ongoing series with the dealer to assess the cost of my desired number (Typically in Mumbai, within the 1st 1000 numbers of ongoing series, cost is 10k, and then add 5k for each 1000 number jumps)
2. Checked the availability of my desired number on the parivahan portal
3. Created a DD of 10k (in my case) towards RTO Thane
4. Assimilated all documents incl. electricity bill, PAN, Aadhar etc. (I took some extra documents just in case).

Important information for Thane, RTO:
- There are 2 RTOs in Thane (as of now); Old RTO near central jail where you would need to fill the form 1st; new RTO near Louiswadi where you would go to get signature from higher-ups (This I came to know/ suffer during the application process :p)

Now the D-day.
1. Reached at 10:30 to Old RTO, took the form from the person sitting outside the gate, filled it and submitted at window 6 (with all necessary documents and DD). The guy was helpful, checked and signed the form. I was so happy to get work done in 15 minutes, but Alas. He tells me to take this to the New RTO (6km away), get it signed from a person, and come back to submit it. :(

2. Reached New RTO, to only find authorized persons not available - there were 3 people who could have signed it but none available. I had to wait for ~30-40 minutes, before one of the person came, and signed it. He was quick in checking and signing. Now, the ride back to Old RTO.

3. Reached the Old RTO, and submitted the form. Now, the next punch. On asking for a receipt, the person said, the entry might take time (due to electricity and some other issues), and you will get to know by message if it is ready. Once you get the message you can come to collect it. :(

4. I waited for 15-20 minutes, just to see if my luck works. But, then I left for office, only to come back to the RTO and collect the receipt at ~2pm.

Positives
- Pretty easy process, no bribes, no dangling by staff

Negatives
- Why not online? Why? All except MH does it online
- The to-and-fro between the 2 RTOs takes a lot out of a person (time, travel, waiting etc.)
- Coming back for a receipt w/o knowing when will it be available is a big problem again. Why not send it over whatsapp/ create it within 15-20 minutes. A person can wait that much, instead of going back, and coming again.

Eventually I am pretty happy to get my desired number :). Just that I had to loose half a day from office to do the song and dance.