"my fingers are crossed... for once, I'd just love to have the option to choose."

You're more than free to choose - once you commitment is up or the drawdown continues and some folks luck out and get paid to punch either way at some point the choice will be yours. As far as punching out, I did it and never looked back, things have worked out and when I run into those that stayed it seems I'm smiling a lot more than they are. On the other hand, maybe they'll start grinning once that AD retirement check starts flowing in while I wait till age 60. Either way - enjoy the ride and try to have fun while doing it - remember as much as we complain, there are 1000's out there who would want to trade places with you in a heartbeat.

just my 2 cents