Thanks for the messages guys.
Ann, in terms of the visit visa, the longer the visa the harder it generally is to get as they want proof that your status now will still be the status in 1,2,3,5,10 years time (financially, relationship wise etc)
With a long term visit visa you are still restricted to 6 months per year in the UK.
If you find yourself spending a lot of time in the UK, the ECO is going to question what your residential status is and it may find it enough evidence to assume that you have fewer reasons to leave at the end of your stay.
So with that in mind, you simply have to ensure you meet all the requirements, have the correct supporting documents and a suitable letter explaining your intentions so that the ECO understands your status properly.
Good luck
