Quick answer... I like option 2. I have the patience to put up with a couple days of down time. I do like the current look better, but assuming v3 is customizable then that's not really an issue.
As far as importing the old info, I have to admit I have selfish motives there. I'm not a frequent poster for various reasons, and in the year or so we've been on this version I have yet to even reach avatar status. But if it comes down to it, I'll just have to redonate and start working my way up again.
What it comes down to is the ringmaster owns this circus, and with a crack of the whip or two, all the rest of us will fall into line.
Halx, do what you need to do.