upgradingdegree

Hi all, I'm already in Oz on a 457 temporary visa although my company won't nominate me for PR after the mandatory two years! I'm now looking to go independent as a skilled migrant but I have the following unique issues (I think it's fairly unique). I dropped out of University (in the UK) and was awarded a Diploma (one rank below a full bachelors degree). If I take a top up course with the Open University (the British one) and upgrade my diploma to the full degree, will that be acceptable? I need to get a skills assessment from the ACS. What I'm worried about is: I think the ACS say that any years of experience you have before your degree is awarded are not counted towards the requirement to have 2 years experience as well as a degree; am I reading that wrong or would my several years of experience I have gained (that are closely related to the nominated job on the SOL) be counted towards the 2 years experience requirement as well as having a degree? I'm a little confused by this. note: for a software engineer, the SOL says you must have a degree and 2 years of experience. Any knowledge is really appreciated! Thanks Adam