Hi, I like you and your tenacity. Why don't you ask it differently so all those annoying comments trying to "help" you would stop. What I'm thinking is this:

Hi, I like you and your tenacity. Why don't you ask it differently so all those annoying comments trying to "help" you would stop. What I'm thinking is this: "hey guys, Does anyone have a fun side project I could hack on? Would you also be so generous as to have a couch for me at your place and host me for couple of weeks or whatever time?" I can't imagine why such a proposal would have any illegal implications as long as you're presence in this country is legal. You can also qualify the "side project" as non-commercial and "hobby" Does that make any sense whatsoever in your situation? Anyway, best of luck. I really hope things get better. Take care.