I hope you are right. While I don't know the law well in North Carolina, it is not the universal view. And Martindale-Hubbell is not a source, but a summary put together by non-practicing lawyers.
I'm familiar with Martindale-Hubbell, having been in it many, many years, and you're mistaken about the depth of legal talent there. I suggest they know the law of North Carolina and it is as I set out. Unless you've got law that supports your position, you ought to stop suggesting you know otherwise.