Fair comments...
I spent 6 months in Vancouver looking for work.. and noone either wanted me, or could afford me. I ended up coming back to Aussie.
I have a Masters in Digital Design, which makes me eligible for the "Skilled Workers Migration" scheme. Have you considered that?
If I didnt like motorcycling as much as MTB'ing, I would have settled in Vancouver
Bloody weather is a major downer..