OK, I have stayed out of this childish breast beating display, but I have to chime in; this is, after all, a thread that "I" started in the hopes of getting some good info and tips. Please get your facts straight, NYC (I live there), amended it's code to allow the use of Romex some time ago.
I have no intention of doing anything that does not comply with local code. To those possibly put off, and kept away, by the attemps to hijack this thread, please ignore the bs, and keep the suggestions coming.
Thanks again to all; well, to most of you.