Hmm.... buy big scope, too heavy and bulky, so give up... Buy small scope, can't see anything, so give up...Going for big and bulky setups is the number one killer for most new comers. You are not the first one. But still, many here tell newbies to go for the "biggest scope you can afford" because it is no fun seeing tiny things with a small scope.
I guess it not whether do they own a big scope or a small scope, it whether do they really have the interest and real passion... or just "three minute passion"... If they really have the passion and interest, they'll still not give up, but start to "adjust" his equipment to suit him best.
The problem is how many people have the patient to do star hop to find the object and try again if they can't find it... now people will start to complaint when their computer just take a few more minutes to boot!But fact is, astro is not just about seeing things (if it is, we just have to look at photos...no need scopes), it is also about the process of finding those things which fortunately you realised it now with your bino.
Also, it frustrating that you aren't sure whether you can't find it or just that you can't see it in Singapore.
Have a nice day.