flyhigh
Not read all the posts so i might be reflecting others.
Keep current with IR, just in case you get a call for an interview. One of the first questions they asked me was 'are you current'. Don't bother with the MEP. If you have mimimum hours on a MEP, whats the chances of you feeling confortable doing single pilots ops in crap weather.
The FI is a big outlay for little short term return. I did it for two years before getting RHS and it was gard to survive financially, even though it was a busy school.
This is a bit at a tangent but have you considered trying to get a job in ops or something in regional/biz jet operations, where they may be a chance of getting to know the chief pilot etc.
Best of luck anyway.