hi Sean--welcome to the site.

i wont try to answer all your questions--but as regards your salary/savings--here goes.

you have a salary shortfall of £500--( £18600-18100 )

so --you need 2 & 1/2 half times £500---= £1500, PLUS £16,000--which is then disregarded. so--altogether £17,500 in readilly accessible legally acquired savings--with statements for the last 6 months to prove this. also--loans from others ( friends/family DONT count )

i hope this isnt bad news--others will no doubt reply as regards salary conditions.

but its best to be FULLY prepared before shelling out £ lots in application fees if your not 100% sure of the facts.