Not what I got out of it. Basically, at the IRS dialogue, I interpreted that they were telling me: "Do what you want; just don't bother us." Unless you're in the 6th or 7th District, don't see a problem. Since nothing has to be in writing until the end of '09 and any reasonable interpretation will do, why not interpret pre-retirement mortality as reasonable. Will obviously compare to plan rates, which don't have pre-retirement mortality (though you could amend it in), and watch document language when written but I think we've reached the point where no judge will be able to rule against it because they won't be able to grasp the concept.
Maybe if lump sum is less than annual PBGC premium for the person.