Yeesh, I hope the "Academic Success" (yes, those are air quotes) folks pulled their collective heads from their third points of contact long enough to actually hear what you were telling them this time.

If your brief sounded good when you were proof reading it, I would say that it very likely was good. I don't know about legal briefs, but I've know folks to throw everything they can think of into a paper in order to pad it out in an attempt make it look better than it actually is and that may be exactly what your opponent did.

Lastly, I am very glad to hear that you were able to enjoy your birthday celebration! And on that note, Happy Birthday (early, late or even on time)! *hugs*