MCSE upgrade question

I have a question regarding Upgrading to 2003.
I have to do 70-216,217 and 221 to upgrade my NT4 to 2k, then I have to take 70-292 & 296 to upgrade to 2003 all before March 31st, 2008.
Now say I can't get it all done and fall short with just upgrading my Windows 2000. Since I am an NT 4 MCSE aren't I elidgeble for the NT4 to 2003 MCSE upgrade?
So in a sense I could miss the March 31st 2008 Window and then take four Windows 2003 exams and become an MCSE 2003 also?
From MS page:
How to earn your MCSE on Windows Server 2003
• Networking: The core networking skills required for Windows Server 2003 are significantly different than those required for Windows NT 4.0; therefore, MCSEs on Windows NT 4.0 must prove their skills on all four core network exams.
• Client: If the candidate has already taken either Exam 70-210 or 70-270, no further action is required.
• Design: An MCSE on Windows NT 4.0 was not required to prove design skills, so they must prove their skills by passing either a Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 design exam. If the candidate has already taken a Windows 2000 design exam, no further action is required.
• Elective: Elective exams are required so that candidates prove technical breadth, interoperability skills, or additional technical depth. For an MCSE on Windows NT 4.0, the MCSE credential itself satisfies the elective requirement for Windows Server 2003 because it proves the ability to support another version of the platform; therefore, no further action is required.
I have to do 70-216,217 and 221 to upgrade my NT4 to 2k, then I have to take 70-292 & 296 to upgrade to 2003 all before March 31st, 2008.
Now say I can't get it all done and fall short with just upgrading my Windows 2000. Since I am an NT 4 MCSE aren't I elidgeble for the NT4 to 2003 MCSE upgrade?
So in a sense I could miss the March 31st 2008 Window and then take four Windows 2003 exams and become an MCSE 2003 also?
From MS page:
How to earn your MCSE on Windows Server 2003
• Networking: The core networking skills required for Windows Server 2003 are significantly different than those required for Windows NT 4.0; therefore, MCSEs on Windows NT 4.0 must prove their skills on all four core network exams.
• Client: If the candidate has already taken either Exam 70-210 or 70-270, no further action is required.
• Design: An MCSE on Windows NT 4.0 was not required to prove design skills, so they must prove their skills by passing either a Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 design exam. If the candidate has already taken a Windows 2000 design exam, no further action is required.
• Elective: Elective exams are required so that candidates prove technical breadth, interoperability skills, or additional technical depth. For an MCSE on Windows NT 4.0, the MCSE credential itself satisfies the elective requirement for Windows Server 2003 because it proves the ability to support another version of the platform; therefore, no further action is required.
Comments
Note however, that I think you'd have to take SIX exams. The core four, a client OS, and also a design exam (such as 70-297 or 70-29
NT4 to MCSE 2k3 gives you a pass on the electives, but that's it from what I gather.
Why are you considering updating to the MCSE:2000? Are you just trying to collect the whole Microsoft certification set?