I get that there was to be a penalty. I suppose my point was that this was a common enough occurrence that there was an easy fix, an easy remedy, a penalty and all is forgiven, now you get your work permit or green card. So if I had stuck it out and gotten the approval the overstay gets 'forgiven' via the penalty but because I left on my own I made it worse?

It is discouraging that I tried to do what is right by hiring a lawyer, filing my application, doing all the steps that was required when there are millions of undocumented immigrants that are paid under the table or drive uninsured cars - and my paper trail is what gets me in trouble.

Perhaps.

I wouldn't say it was your paper trail of immigration paperwork that got you in trouble . . . as for the rest, yes.

Your problem started with your first lawyer who told you a 1000$ penalty would be all that is required. It does not sound as if he gave you all the facts and/or options nor their consequences. It's called "informed concent" in the medical sphere. No reason the legal world should be different. I you want someone to be accountable for your misfortune (and I'm behind you all the way on this one) go after that first lawyer. Good luck with the Consul interview.

I don't see that he has a beef with the lawyer. The lawyer indicated what the likely consequences of his infraction would be. That doesn't mean there's no infraction!