Thanks for the input, songbird. I think I'm leaning towards CMRI over SSPX because I do favor the sedevacantist view. That said, I think I'd be comfortable with baptism by either group since both seem to be valid.

ss116 - You will get over the initial shock as you describe, but the pain doesn't entirely go away.  This is why I am convinced of the 1954 movement(sspv), it is stable/not volatile like the 1962 sspx movement.  

You are not alone in being in a difficult situation.  I live 3 hours from the nearest sspx confessional, and nowhere near the sspv.  Many in tradition are in difficult situations.  But, God provides, and wills it.  "When the shepherd is struck, the sheep scatter" says out lord(which can almost be viewed as a command in my opinion).

It is my hunch that the NO rcia/bishop/clergy are not going to take kindly to interrogation/questioning the new vs old rite, so be inconspicuous if you discuss specifics of the new rite.  I don't know if it is a good idea to discuss with them the traditional sede movement.  Liberals have claws and other weapons, and they dislike nothing more than tradition.

Next, tradition isn't free from problems, and I want to save you any heartbreak by saying it upfront right now.  It is best to confront this prior to getting emotional/comfortable/attached to a trad group.  To give you an example.  I would rather go to the indult and not receive communion than go to the cmri.  I wont go into details.  The sspx sounds like your best option for confession(whenever needed) and communion(during easter), but they appear to be developing their own flavor of compromising the faith(a revolution has been taking place in the sspx over the last two years) that can be just as dangerous as the indult.  You really need to learn the faith and understand the crisis before you will be able to make confident decisions.  But, the 1969 mass rite is off limits.  The indult can be an acceptable option, but do not receive communion(doubtful rites means you treat them as invalid in the practical order), and don't expect to find genuine fellowship(but you never know)(indulters are all drunk on NFP - natural family planning).  You will likely be going for the smells and bells, and that may be understandable and okay.  Catholics have been through this in the past.  The japanese survived for generations on the rosary and sacramentals.  Nearly the entire heirarchy became arian(a heresy) during the time of St. Athanasius(one of the only bishops to remain catholic/orthodox).  Let truth and knowledge be your food.  That is all many of us have.  And, we are surviving.  

As for the specifics about valid baptism, I again direct you to contact the sspv cpsv, because they are the only ones who perform conditional baptisms from what I understand, and they have to have some legitimate reason.  Find out why they do it.  Here is a link to sspv locations and phone numbers - http://www.sspv.org/locations.html  (call/contact the oyster bay NY,round top NY, or OHIO phone numbers with questions)

If you die without having received baptism, you would be considered baptism by desire.  Because, you are a catechumen who believes the truths of the faith and is only lacking the actual baptism rite.  But, don't get yourself worked up over it.  The problem really is that you are currently under stress due to the NO baptizing dates, and feel forced to make a quick decision you are unsure of.  It may turn out that you can go to a trad chapel and receive baptism asap once checked out by the priest.  I don't think trad clergy are limiting baptism to the easter season.  They are currently baptizing and confirming when ever possible(+Williamson for example).  And, as for confirmation, it is not necessary for salvation.  So, just let that exit your mind for the time being.  You have enough to consider.

Lastly, from the looks of it, the sspx in your state and the local traditional indult sound like your option for introduction to catholicism in reality.  But, take your time and don't get excited.  "If any of you are sad, let them pray" says St. Paul.  Learn about how traditional catholics pray, because that is going to be your life line.  

The pain comes after the shock does its initial work - that is to numb you to a certain extent. Be sure of that and be prepared for much pain.

You will make enemies by questioning the RCIA and the whole novus ordo establishment. I'm not saying "don't do it" but expect to be alienated and rejected.

The way RCIA works is to have a group, public affair and you are their showpiece to say that RCIA "works".

The traditional way for conversion and Baptism of adults is a private affair, with maybe just family and a few friends, but you may not have any of those now that you are converting. You are between a rock and a hard place. Be assured of our prayers and welcome on board the life raft.