Law /
Visa Stamp if you overstay (American with a Polish Wife) [29]
So, listen to Ksysia. Although no solicitor is needed.
My wife contacted the regional wojowódzkie and spoke to the person who interviews applicants who file for the karta pobytu. He said spouses of Polish citizens cannot be detained, deported or fined or punished in any way for not having proper visa documents. He said to just come in and file.
So based that we went to our local Ursąd Miasta, got a temporary zameldowanie (using my passport without a visa stamp) then went and filed for the karta pobytu. We are awaiting the interview with the very guy who told us to do this. The woman who accepted the application said all the papers were in order and we might not even be interviewed - who knows.
The secret is to marry a Polish Woman!
If any wrinkles show up, I will update this thread.
Thanks to everyone for your help and input!