My girlfriend and I are in the same sort of situation. I am wanting to move over there with her but there are many many obsticals. I know excatly how you are feeling with the documentation .. nothing is simplyfied. People weren't kidding when they were telling me its a long process!

At 21 and 22 we dont have a huge amount of savings and are not looking to get married just yet, The only visa application that looked promising to me was the HB2 (temp work) I wrote letters off to many compaines over there in my field including a CV and cover note asking for sponsorship, most replied saying that they would offer me a job when I relocated myself over there.

At present my girlfriend is looking to move over here, it seems a simpler process and far more likely to happen.

In the end its a toss up of how long a long distant relationship can last and how much you want to be with your partner. Coming up to our third year its time to make a move. Once married and settled applying to move back to the US will be slightly easier.

Hope things go well for you and you get things sorted out.

Regards

Rich