Looking for wisdom and advice on enlisting after ten year hiatus.

I'm a former 97b who ets'd in 2004. A few months ago an active duty friend sent me the latest prior service business rules and an email from HRC. Apparently there is a shortage of 35l enlisted and warrants in the army and they are willing to take prior service specialists. So I've started the process of reenlistment. Unfortunately no one seems to have answers to my questions out here. The recruiters understandably are unfamiliar with my MOS because it is no longer available to initial entry soldiers and the liaisons at meps are unwilling to talk to me while I wait for my eye consult. I'm aware that I will have to attend basic training and AIT again, however, my preliminary research has hinted that prior service soldiers are treated differently. Any advice, pointers, wisdom, or AR's I could look up on these topics would be greatly appreciated.
Also, the 35l mos seems to be subject to an SMAPP. It states that upon award of the MOS that the grade of sergeant will be awarded. I have found that this has been in place since 2007. During that time I was in the IRR. My question is did that SMAPP apply to me during my time in the IRR? Am I currently considered mos qualified? Or does my mos qualification kick in after I finish the refresher course? Thank you in advance.
Sorry for any typos. I should have turned on my desk top instead of using the phone for this.