I think something is in the wind with immigration

Yes it was, it was also pointed out on this or another forum that a guy got a red stamp in his passport on a recent visa run. If we are confused so are the officers who enforce it. I think what the embassy was trying to say is that have not been proivded with a definitive answer. If our embasies can't get one I don't think we will either. Time will tell and I'm willing to bet it wont be enfoced in the same amnner at the different border crossing.

Yes, the American Embassy is conservative, if nothing else.