As the OP, let me say straight away that it is not a money thing, just a timing issue. Let me pose this question: Can I get a rush job (7-10 days) at the Boston Passport Office if I demonstrate a planned trip where the fact that my passport expires 6 months from now may be an issue?
And what is the approximate turnover time at the post office currently? After all, I haven't applied for one in almost 10 years!
People must get tripped up on this all the time! After all, most of us assume that documents are good until they expire!