"I would like to leave with a smile, a handshake and my head held high."
You'll be lucky. After 35 years I received neither smile nor handshake.
Face it. With a few exceptions, those above you only follow 'Per ardua ad astra' if it's through your hardship to their stars. Stand your ground, even if you're 100% correct, and you'll simply be $hat upon...
The air smells much cleaner on the outside.