Concluding our marriage interview last week the INS officer was enphatic that my ( the petitioner ) income/assets did not fulfill INS criteria for the Affidavit of Support.
She would only accept my 2001 income or assets separately. INS guidelines ( I 864 FAQ ) clearly state that where income is insufficient assets can be counted if equal to five times the difference between the sponsors income and the 125% of the poverty line.
Our attending lawyer seemed to be worse than useless as, although he told her that she was wrong, he did not push the point and we, consequently, were left without a a resolve.
We are now told that we have to wait, at least, another month before he can represent due to that officer`s vacation.
What is our best and quickest way forward?

I hope your lawyer is taking advantage of this time to prepare a short and succinct argument on your behalf (referencing applicable laws/documents) to justify your position if you are indeed correct... After all, that's what he's there for - to advocate on your behalf if you are correct.

Lawyers are a waist of time. Same category as car salesmen.