I think most feel the way you do and really don't want you to back down. We will support you if you lose and have great respect. Stick to your guns. It would suck if you got stuck for 18 months in New Yorkistan, but can't you still move to a nicer part of New York? Seems Long Island would be on the bottom of the list for places to live. Find a place in the country and do the same as you would if you were leaving the state. I have a feeling you want to stick to your principles. Don't have any regrets. Look at this trial thing as an experience that is similar to a hero slaying the dragon. We need more dragon slayers.