Here's the bottom line: Contacting MyChargeBack turned out to be the best thing I ever did. The absolute BEST service I've ever experienced. I was down and out after realizing I had been scammed, and it only got worse after my bank told me there was nothing that could be done. DON'T BELIEVE YOUR BANK! THEY DON'T KNOW ANYTHING! You need a company like MyChargeBack to navigate the system because the bank will not help you otherwise.
Russet, it's very very smart of you that you didn't give up after the bank turned you away. As you know, most people don't know how to deal with the banks (who are supposed to be serving their clients), and end up losing their money permanently.