I am happy about all you guys who have already received the visa or are in the process of getting one. Per the Russian Consulate's web site, the Visa application has to be submitted/picked up in person, or through a visa service agency. I think I am going to opt out of two long drives to the nearest consulate and use one of the visa service agencies after all. It seems like they are doing a good job of obtaining the visa in a reasonably short amount of time.