I have 16.6K (13.8bbs) – Level 10, 600-1200-100 and next level is in 9mins going to 800-1600-200.  I was in the middle at seat 5, seats 6 & 7 were also short stacked ~15bbs and 9bbs respectively.  Rest of the table has healthier stacks of at least 20-25bbs+ and to my right is a murderer's row of 3 regs all familiar with each other.  One was talking about how a guy he stakes won one of the earlier events which got him out of makeup.

This was the Raymer invitational at DE park, 75K gtd 2 day event.  337 runners today, they were either playing down to 10% of the field or through level 18.  Board said 120 remaining, but they only update it on the breaks when there's still a lot of players in as far as I can tell.

I know live 10-15bbs isn't as critical/life support as we view it online, but I open shoved UTG w/ AQo, rational being that:

1. I'm not going to open-fold with 13bbs with the next level approaching
2. This was my 3rd shove at the table within 2 orbits so figured some of the regs may widen their calling ranges on me
3. Next level jump is a big one, so wanted to accumulate
4. Figured regs ahead of my action would have high chance of opening when the shorties are in the blinds, so not sure I was gonna get another spot  as good as this premium

Wouldn't have questioned the play if I was in MP/LP w/ AQo and this stack size, but afterwards realized I didn't really consider just folding in my thought process.  Is that bad in this spot – if I wait to go through the blinds to hope for a better shove spot in position then I'd be at 14.5K, so should get at least an orbit of opportunities before the blinds go to 800-1600-200.  Any thoughts?