[eviljeff]

whenever you're done with the class start the complaining process. approach the prof and be super courteous. expect him to reject you, but if you approach him right he should be more susceptible to any pressure from the dean you can get.

also, you could ask for a letter from him explicitly stating you were the #2 student in the 101 person class for later use.

edit: be careful how you use this letter though. you could easily come off as a whiner.