TP,
Unfortunately, I think the IRS excludes the time spent out of the country in which one is claiming the 330 days. I've looked at the physical presence test from a lot of different angles and have pretty much eliminated its feasibilty.
Hopefully, the bona fide resident angle will work out as it does not prohibit maintaining a residence in the US or visits back here. With the NAS/NJME contract there is no 401K or retirement plan, so if taxes come into play, that's some pretty hefty tax exposure with no way to control it. Plus, no social security credit.
Other countries seem to have much more favorable rules with regard to foreign income tax exclusion.
Cheers.