I stand by what I say. The models show only about a 5 knot strengthening due to traverse of warmer water — regaining strength it had lost earlier — then the influence of the “larger, nor’easter-like circulation” keeping energy levels up and the storm alive for an unusual period at this latitude.
Yes. The Gulf Stream will strengthen the storm, as you stated. The presence of the other low pressure takes away the wind shear weakening and allows strengthening. So if the storm takes a 90 degree left turn, does not experience any wind shear, it will strengthen before combining with another low pressure system. At that point, if all that happens, you are not talking about Sandy anymore. You are talking about a new beast and yes, if all that occurs, it could be a serious precipitation event. But that is a lot of if’s.