But surprising to me -- he didn't show up. So the original verdict was vacated, and I got to restate my case to the new judge without any defense present. I went over the situation and the exhibits, and got out of there at a reasonable time.
Obviously there's a risk that the new judge will rule against me, but I doubt it. And before I left he asked me about incidental costs, such as parking and time off ... which is probably a really good sign. Here's to hoping (fingers crossed)