I'm kind of in the same boat. His version (mostly) comes off as believable to me. But then, there's that other charge.
I suspect part of the reason he does seem believable to me is accounting for the last 3 years. While DM spent his time writing letters to CN trying to come up with a way to snow the jury, MS spent the last 3 studying to get his GED and continue his education. Now on the surface that doesn't really say much but it does speak to their separate priorities. I suspect DM is exactly who he was 3 years ago while MS may not be. If that makes any sense.