Thanks for the response, JohnKim.
I will definitely apply this season. I'm not concerned I don't get any offers. I only worry that top10 schools might take issue with my AWA 4.5.
For instance, UW-Madison has an average of AWA 4.5 among their admits, so I should be fine (in terms of GRE) there. Penn Sate (though not a top program, but a good backup choice in my opinion) has on average a 3.4. Stanford says at least 4.5, so I'm not below a cut-off, but it won't help me either. So my problem would be that I spoil my chances at the top and then would need to settle for something in the 15-25 range.