Dear Marianna: A short time ago, AWADtalk had a vicious flamewar which caused all of our
Latin scholars to leave. I have only heard "status quo" used to mean "the condition (we are in)".
When appropriate "ante" may be added the mean "the prior condition". I would guess "status"
is the nominative, and "quo" the ablative to agree with implied preposition.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity of replying. The board has been so dead, I am glad to
have a chance to display my ignorance. Please don't stay away so long. Bill