By comparing with a working payment form I was able to trigger payment by typing the following in console:

    $("form").append('<input id="paymentDisclaimerChecked" type="checkbox" name="paymentDisclaimerChecked" value="yes" checked />')
    $("form").append('<input type="hidden" name="_eventId_pay" value="Submit" />')
    $("form").serialize()

Now have my ESTA approved - San Francisco here I come!