Is it possible for an "average, normal" guy to obtain a CCL in MD? I've read all the laws - business owner, proof of threat, etc...
Is it worth the trouble at all, or not worth fighting for?
Is there any possiblity or should I just write it off completely?

Pretty ridiclous you need "proof" that you need it for self defense. I think traveling/living/working in and throughout downtown Baltimore is reason enough.... obviously the laws in MD don't agree with me though.

Not without a reason from the list of approved reasons

Basically, not realistically.

I had a business, they wanted PROOF of receipts of ROUTINE deposits of 10K$+ in cash.
I had been getting threats. They said if the threats were valid, they'd arrest the people making them, and no permit would be issued because the threat didn't exist any more. If the threats weren't valid enough to get a warrant, then they weren't valid enough to get a CCW.

Any money you put into an application would be no different than tossing into a fire, in my opinion.

ThisThis is EXACTLY how it is.

The only benefit from applying won't be to you, your time and money are up in smoke, but to future applicants who are fighting Maryland's claim that "most applications get approved, so no changes to our process are required".

The reason most DO get approved, is that no one applies unless they really think they're going to get it. Most of us will not bother, especially considering that some states ask you if you have been turned down in your home state when you apply for their non-resident permit. If you home state denies you, they won't approve you either - best to stay with being able to answer that question "no". We have all seen what a terrible waste of money and time it is to apply if you don't meet their bullshit "good and substantial" reason criteria. We keep electing RINOs and liberals who have the law exactly the way they want it, while the media keeps propagandizing "gun violence". I have had non-resident permits from other states for more than 25 years and carry in most areas except my home state.