So, they started last week and did their homeschool-to-public school assessments monday, went to class until friday, and then have been out for snow until today!They use new math which is crazy different so I was concerned DD9 in 4th wouldnt' get placed into 4th grade even though she reads well above grade level just b/c of math placement. We use an asian math program very similar to Singapore. We finished Singapore 2A/B and midway through 4th grade we've finished about half of Math Mammoth 3 (THREE!). These two are very similar so I speak to the method of math Carrie has chosen for her guides...it WORKS! The assorssor for math was incredibly please with DD's number sense and ability to apply new, more advanced topics so quickly, by using the asian math methods of breaking the numbers apart. She had many more positive things to say about DD's math sense. I was so pleased! Here I was thinking we were behind!
DS has had a very gentle K and 1st grade year at home and still placed right where he should according to their assessments. THough, the spelling tests are horrid b/c we were cementing phonics before doing spelling lists. I am happy they use better methods these days for practicing the word lists though. Not as many chances to write the wrong spelling, no pre-tests, copywork, usign rubber stamps to stamp them then trace them, etc.
I can't wait to bring them home in the fall! I'll have this semester to love on my little two a little more, do some preschool and fun learning time with the 4yo, take a nap!! and get some good habits going with my routine, house keeping, and sleep (for me and sleepless baby). I think this will help make for a smoother year that will be more pleasing to DH come fall. I'm making the best of it as best as I can. My house has been more peaceful, though I can't say the trade off has been worth it. We will pick back up with PHFHG for DD who will be 10/5th grade, and I assume Beyond for DS7 who will be in 2nd. Not sure about DS4 since he will be 5 in Sept, but missed the cutoff in AR so will only be K4. He's ready for a little more, but we may just do LHTH or perhaps do LHFHG over K4 and K when he's 5 and 6.
Oh ladies...I'm so...I don't even know!
The positives are many here as you have mentioned: more time with the littles, less "chaos" at home, more time with dh, less stress for him (?) and you (?), etc. AND, the most important thing, one semester in public school will not permanently harm your dc. 
I fought it as well as I could and tried, tried, tried to stay calm about it. Lots of tears and tongue biting.