Bossk - have you PM'd Jay about this? Maybe if it will be signed by the webmaster himself and not by one of the many petitioneers (no offense, my friend) it may seem to be "more important" in Ebert's eyes?
BTW: Good job, the tone "Help us, Mr. Ebert, you're our only hope..." and all...
So you don't want each of us to spam Ebert with the letters? Will one do the job?