Sorry to sound kind of like a distrustful jerk, but what is your source for this? Either Russian government source or from experience.

I really need to placate my family about this.

That 2nd option, the passport for traveling abroad endorsed for "permanent residence abroad"....where do I get it "endorsed" in such a manner? In Russia itself or is that something that is capable of being done at the Consulate?

Thanks so much for your help!