Re 'next rating'
Yes, my suggestions didn't address the financial aspects... Sorry!
Just an idea though - if you were to plug away slowly at something like Aeros/Tailwheel/CSU Retract then you could do one or two hrs a month and be safe (dual) and then keep learning and having fun. Of course, you'll take a bit more time but if the idea of the excercise is to fly then that's fine.
Re Night VFR - have a chat to people around Brisie before you pull the trigger there as where I fly (Adelaide based) there is a large portion of the year where night VFR isn't that practical due weather. Having said that, doing some night circuits dual is much more fun than sitting at home watching yet another B grade reality TV show
