MEI/IRI
I've done all that you are talking about, and absoultely love it. I weighed up my options and believe that in the current climate for me, it was the way to go, in total it cost me about 15000 € (30 hrs ME PIC, MEI course and IRI course). I thought about paying for a type rating but with no guarantee of a job at the end it could be a complete waste of money whereas with the additional FI ratings I can earn money and improve my skills for when another opportunity arises.