Well....
I guess good things come to those who wait.... its been almost two months
I had a meeting with my new manager today after a group meeting with all the other same level guys in my dept. At the group meeting he made a bunch of interesting statements that I needed to see him in private to ensure that I understood him clearly.
It seems the rock has been lifted, and the load will be a lot lighter... so long as he lives up to his plans.
I told him that 'if' he follows through, then he doesn't need to look for a replacement for me
It looks like suicide averted.