Wow, this thread has headed has become pretty heated recently so I think it's best if I step away for a little (at least from this thread). But some parting thoughts:
1. In doing some research on this subject, I've come to agree that all of the timeshare exit companies I've spoken to are very likely scammers in the sense that they will charge a significant sum up-front and then, best case scenario, send a form complaint letter to the timeshare and then advise the owner to stop paying (and thereby possibly destroy the owner's credit).
2. I've only managed to reach one timeshare exit attorney, but it's the same story.
3. I don't think that I've been beating a dead horse or playing tug-of-with a German Shepherd. But people are very quick to offer advice but it's not always substantiated by facts. So, while I never doubted the sincerity of my of the replies, I wanted to better understand the reasoning behind them.
4. I am not a shill for any timeshare exit company, and if I was, I've clearly done a very bad job because I just created a popular thread which basically poops all over timeshare companies.
5. I will continue paying my fees until I figure out what to do.
6. If I come across any lawyer who is willing to negotiate with BG for me and charge a minimal amount (a unicorn, I know), I will probably give it a shot, if for no other reason than to see what happens.
Thanks again to everyone for their time and spirited discussion.