There was a long discussion regarding this topic at NP the other week ... even for long-timers, it's an eye opener!
http://www.namepros.com/warnings-and...ins-based.html
NameCheap is mostly an eNom reseller - when eNom suspends the domain, they will place it on client-hold, which is more extreme than just locking the domain - will be removed from TLD zone file, it won't resolve, and it won't transfer out.
The clock is running - check out NameScout - you may have some success there. Reason is that some registrars don't participate in LegitScript's suspension program.
eNom has gone from middle-of-the road, safety wise, to among the most risky - they suspend domains, often
voluntarily with
no court order, for all sorts of reasons.
Ron