shocked,

Best of luck with the appeal.  Sounds like you may be able to pursue a bit of a different process according to your source and I would say go with whatever he/she indicates.  I really hope you can post some good news at some point after your appeal has gone through.

Roger that on the job.  I don't care what field, a PhD is an impressive quality and I hope you are able to do something with it in return for the work performed in earning it.  I have a better idea now of what you meant by your statement as well as staying in the public sector.  Good luck!