This thread is going round in circles and I think I know why.
The 457 has its place and can be a great starting point for many who want to visit and work for a few years or as a risky alternative way to head towards pr. (we did it this way but that's another story) . Circumstances / rules have changed in the last couple of years when I came over if employment stopped you had 30 days to get another employer or more realistically leave the country. End of employment is end of work visa.
Blewyn. Your looking at this from an in oz 457 applicant and I believe this is where the difference lies.
Most employers want to go through a standard employment regime. Want to offer a 3 month trial. And may be reluctant to offer this if they feel under obligation or at risk to get involved with significant family circumstances involving sponsorship many average employers will put this in the 'too difficult' pile
This is very different to an oz employer looking to take on an out of country employee because they have exhausted the oz pool ( which is probably how your offer came? )
I can imagine how 3 months can give hope that seems dashed but your not in the same starting point as applying from out of country where they have a long time to consider an offer.
Are you job hunting in the right place? I. E. On UK job boards looking for immigrant workers?
A 457 is not a black mark on you cv but an employer suddenly faced with having to deal with visa processing they are not familiar with. And didn't anticipate could be a challenge. But they are not the same thing!
Look. The job fell through. And there is a small space at last chance saloon to get a new sponsor for it.
**** happens. Don't take it personally just fall back and regroup.
You are fighting everyone's opinion here I believe because everyone else would have just presumed go home as per the visa conditions and try again
If I'm off the mark here then I don't know where else this thread can go.