“....I feel discouraged, dejected and, actually, afraid.”
Right there I quit reading your post. It’s bad that you feel that way, it’s worse that you admit it.
Do not believe the trash the enemy is feeding you.
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, but never let your enemy see your knees shaking.
I am glad to see your optimism. I am afraid of the consequences IF you are wrong! We simply can’t afford it! It’s the end of a beautiful thing as we’ve known it!