First of all...so THIS is what it looks like over in piecing. Nice digs.
Sorry to hear about the latest spew. You definitely have a good head on your shoulders, and while I'd LOVE to give you some advice here, a guy whose D is final tomorrow and whose big PMA boost right now is getting his own bachelor pad is probably not the best source.
So instead, I'll just say this: You know far more about this process than 99.999% of the general public, and 99% of folks even around here. You know the gameplan, and you know the do's and don'ts. Back to basics as you already said and already know, and stick with it my friend. Best of luck and keep fighting the good fight. It ain't over until my 300 pound aunt sings-
Kev
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall." -Confucius
"God alone decides the contest; but we must put our shoulders to the wheel." -Adm. D.G. Farragut
Kevin-38; XW-36 M-2.5, together 4 Bomb-1/6/07; D-6/27/07