The problem with this situation is that the OP's mind is made up, but is having a hard time accepting that this is the right thing to do. All the OP wants is people to validify the decision for the OP. Unfortunately, for the OP, the opinions are not what the OP desires. The OP is not going to accept the slot no matter how much we tell the OP to take the slot and no matter what reason we give for accepting it.
The positive thing about this situation - there is a chance for one of you who have not been accepted into the last cycle to get in based on the OPprobably turning his/her slot down.
word.