xiaobaitu, mytwocent& everyone please help-NIW 140 denied

NSC NIW I140 denied after RFE. Our lawer suggest we don't appeal and try again in few month. We have some questions, any suggestion welcom.
1>We paid our lawer $6000. Can we negotiate any from him, either money or help? Our case is not very strong, but not very weak either.
2>We are thinking to do it by self next time. Questions:
a)Could we still use some of the old recommend letters which are all dated as last July to Sep 2005?
b)Will the first time deny affect the sencond time application?
c)Someone says now I140 all send to TSC and TSC is easier. Is this true?

Thanks much!