I'd like to borrow your phrase, that I am appealing to the "jury of common sense." You bet. And you're absolutely right that the real fight is not the one in court.
A clear example is Lt. Col. West in Iraq. The Army would have court-martialed the man. But the press got their teeth into the story, a few honorable Congressman got up on their hind legs (yes. Virginia, there ARE still a few honorable Congressman), and the Army backed down.
Most cases are won or lost inside the courtroom. But a few cases are, of necessity, won or lost outside the courtroom.
Thanks for your comments.
John / Billybob