beanlee,
Hi, I wanted to share my story with you.
I have applied for the citizenship based on the 5 yrs rule. I stayed out of the country for about 750 days. I did my interview, passed the english & civic parts. What is holding up on my approval is the fact that I was out of the US for 229 days instead of the 180 without a reentry permit. Although i have paid taxes, i am a partner in a corporation, kept bank account, credit cards and all that, my application is still "pending". i have contacted the local office twice since the interview. one gave me no hope while the other time, the i/o decided not to give me any hints on why it has stalled. it has been 2 months and it seems i have to wait another 2 months, before the 120 exhaust and they have to make a decision.
the point is, you cant anticipate how the i/os will react. although i have given proof to them that i did not abandon my residency, they still claim so.
worse part is that i want to bring my spouse and we have been apart since january, as i anticipated i wouldnt have a problem with the naturalization and in fact, the decision is delaying all the aspects of my life. on top of that, i am very sad, stressed and unsure what i can do and will do.
so, i advise you to speak with a lawyer who is experienced and will be able to give you the different scenarios.
i believe cis is harder today because of all the economic problems the country is facing. with high unemployment, even if you have the cleanest record does not means (in their point of view from my experience) that you will be guaranteed what you think you should get. so think hard because your green card believe it or not, it is like gold. you never know when you will need it before it is gone.
all the best!