all this talk abt $5000 reminded me of homers quote:

"...Bart, with $10,000 we'd be millionaires...."

mate, i got two words for you "Friend Zone".

Once you are in it, you have bugger all chance of trying to change it to anything else. That stuff only happens in movies mate. Dont waste your time with her trying to wait for your hollywood ending.

She clearly does not appreciate all the effort you have given so its time to cut her loose mate.

Be tough. You'll find yourself another girl. You are still young and have plenty of time.

From the sounds of things, you are a young adult with a good head on your shoulders, hard working, committed, capable of following through difficult goals and you are a very loyal friend. Those qualities will go very far my friend. Keep that up and you will see that many other opportunities will open up to you.

Life is all abt the learning experiences cos nobody gets it right the first time. You will realise that when you meet your next girl.