Is this a good idea and do you think it will work? Worth the $1,200? My only hesitation at this point is asking the friend and they go through the hassle but then it goes sideways and still do not gain access to my account.
I think it's not worth it even if you do the KYC they'll still ignore your request at all considering you're from USA and their T&C wasn't allow such citizen. It's a worthless initiative I guess even if you pass a KYC. If somehow you can ask some friends that doesn't care on their privacy and information as well then I guess you'll still be in luck. That amount may not be huge for a US citizen I guess, it's your call if you want to do the necessary things.