The cobratrader post is very helpful. I don't recall the exact form number but it was a standard form. Sounds like what they gave you was not correct. They gave me a temp permit that was good for one month (actually about 6 weeks) and gave me one extension (one more month) but noted on my form that it was the last extension without cause. What constitutes cause I do not know. The last number I heard was someone had SB100 # 300 something so I think getting the ball rolling is a good plan. The only disadvantage I can see is not getting the car done for the CHP BAR inspections in a timely fashion and having to explain to the DMV why not. Here is a link to the thread for my registration process.
My CA registration story
Ron's sugesstion of getting a supervisor to help you is a good one. I got lots of blank stares until I found the lady who ended up helping me. Email me if you have any other questions, I am by no means any sort of an expert but I might be able to point you in the right direction.