We didn't have enough points via the calculator to send an EOI. Agents were telling us they could get us in, but I couldn't see how tbh, but found a forum (not this one, LOL) that pointed out the Work to Residence Talent visa. We didn't use an agent, but I did ask questions here (yep, ENZ from then on) and always got a reply...... even if it was a mundane "what shall I tick on section F q 5.1?"
Our emigration journey began in Mar '08, and ended when DH landed in Aug '08. After 2 years we were able to submit out PR paperwork, without the need to calculate points and EOI's. PR was granted in Oct '10. That route worked well for us, but wasn't a route we were aware of at the start of our journey.