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Well, we don't really know if it violates the 14th yet, now do we?You are mistaken. State Supreme Courts are still bound by the Federal Constitution, and state constitutions are similarly bound. If it violates the 14th amendment, it's unconstitutional and a judge at the state level is still bound to overturn it. They have no obligation to wait for a Federal judge to do it. A state constitutional amendment absolutely can be overturned by a state judge if it violates the US constitution. Imagine if Ohio passed an amendment to reinstate slavery. You're telling me you believe a state court would have to just throw up their hands and say "Welp, can't do anything about it!"
Yes, these are the proper means. These guys do this for a living, they're not just making things up as they go. And their legal arguments are sound, based on existing precedent and law.
As regards the re-institution of slavery into one of the united states, well, there is a specific amendment addressing that issue, so its not quite the same, yano? The 14th says nothing whatsoever about same sex marriage whereas the 13th did say something exlicit about ending slavery [prohibited its existence]. So maybe you might pick a slightly better example?
Some judges are making it up as they go, known as activist judges...and they are in the state supreme courts at times as well. See the Gore v Bush Florida State SC decision. And you are really dreaming regarding sound legal opinions in each case. The SCOTUS cannot even boast that.