switching to a reseller account is so easy on hostgator.. not because of the system but because the guys taking care of it are always trying to help... they can even do the whole transition for you... ;)
i tried both ways, 3 months ago.. .i've done it by hand, had problems figuring the things, and then asked for the team to do it... 5 minutes after asking, my 34 hosted clients were in their own place, no downtime, nothing to argue about...

I wish I could have been in your position. I will never even consider them as a host anymore.

it all depend on the attitude on both sides... and i suppose hitting the right support.

i always hit some support girl, rarely a guy... i'm easily seduced i suppose...