You wrote "But if the AC boots the ECUSA out, doesn't that change the dynamic in court? Big time, as they say?"
I'm not a lawyer, but my best understanding of the issue is yes it will in some states. Perhaps one of the freeper lawyers could comment on this?
Well I am a lawyer, and play one on TV. But this is church law - a whole different kettle of fish. From the court cases I have read, it would probably come down to what individual bishops decide. If a bishop left 815 and stayed with the "Anglican Communion" (the new ECUSA?) I think some courts would ratify that decision. On the other hand, individual parishes trying to leave 815 against their bishop's wishes would probably get slapped down. To my knowledge no court of record has yet ruled on the Dennis Cannon.
My own opinion: the orthodox should all leave (no later than three months after the Eames Commission report), try to keep their property, but leave regardless. Don't look back. Would one want to be turned into a pillar of salt?