Absolutely! Go with AF and pay the $25 renewal fee. In addition, you can finish the program and submit online paperwork three months prior to expiration date..don't procrastinate or you will forget! I've flown with way too many pilots that regret not renewing their CFI.

In regards to going to FAA, I have no doubt they are not there to help you. All those good eggs retired years ago. Now you have a group of undermanned, pi$$ed off Skycops.

-"don't kick a sleeping dog"