Hi Saf - Have looked at everything I know to look at - as a matter of fact, a very kind immigation advisor helped me draft a petition to the Home Office asking them to make an exception for me, but they were unwilling to do so.
Part of what I was hoping for in that is because the numbers ARE negligible, my situation is unique, but that didn't work.
Don't know about the grandparents thing - they were both born in England, not Ireland. My dad's side has been in the US way too long to look at EU citizenship.
Instead, I will end up joining a new minority, if a UK uni will have me - mature student!
I will not give up on this dream, and, in coming months, you'll probably get to know me TOO well as I ask a million questions about education and jobs and the likelihood of being offered my dream job after one year at uni!!! lol.