Im leaning towards asking for what i think my skills are worth.

as they say, im not starving. I think that is worth the risk

As someone told me many moons ago and has been proved right countless times - people will always happily you less than you're worth. Be bold, if nothing else it starts things in the right place.

the worst they're going to do is say no, or offer you lower. they seem to really want you, cause they've been waiting on you for this interview.

They really do seem to want you, so always ask for your worth, always high ball and negotiate down, never lowball because you can't negotiate up as well

turbulent: good call