Sara,
re; User reqs. & mgmt
I think I know where you are coming from on this. Here's some free advice (and it's probably worth what you paid for it - VVBG)
VOLUNTEER to do the *!#**! user reqs and do it with style! Heck, if you have been programming that long, you probably forgot more about writing user reqs. than most people know!
I just sense that this is something that could be "used against" you, and it's just not worth the risk. I've been involved in a LOT of review cycles and know how politicized they can be ... part of the reason I retired, I guess!
Good luck,
greg