This is general andspecific in my queries...

First of all my situation. I've been on the CIC site and assessed my points at 61, and a immigration lawyer has also replied that my points aren't high enough. I feel I'm in a different sort of situation in reguards to that (unless someone speaks up otherwise). I've been to Scotland with the intent of getting a Masters degree, but only ended up with a Post Graduate Diploma. And honestly it would be easier for Canada to recognize such a degree easier than it is here. It wasn't even taken into consideration with my current employment. Also my full time employment isn't up to 4 years yet (it will be in Fall of 08, but that is only if I 'estimate' my part time employment in it). Which I also don't plan to start the whole process until Fall of '08 because I'd rather not abandon my current post leaving them vulnerable during a critical time (summer field season). Plus I have to save money for such a big move.

Specific question:
So what I guess I'd like to know is where does my Postgraduate Diploma fit in? Does it have enough weight to consider me with a higher degree? I don't think the lawyers believed so, and I also don't think they took into account my part time employment. Is it possible to increase my points at the current moment?

General questions:
Is it better to increase your work experience in or out of the country? I assume in to create those connectings right? So I guess I mean should I just abandon the thought of permanent residency at the start and just plan for a work permit first? I will be at 4 years (including part time) around the time I plan to go to Canada, but should I just do a work permit anyway?

Also how much money should be saved for such a move? I've got a lot of debt right now, and I know that is looked poorly upon. But I won't be able to save and pay off all that debt at the same time, and if I try to pay off my debt first I'll never make it to Canada. Plus I will have to take into account that the USD is getting weaker and weaker making it more expensive for me...

Thanks for any and all advice received!