That's probably as good as it'll get without looking at used. I suppose you can find a even crappier plain Jane cheap backpack but it probably wouldn't have a sleeve.
I know I didn't know the whole story, but still what were you carrying your rMBP before you lost your job? Sorry about the way I came across, I just see this too often especially when it comes to college students, or my mother. Lol Anyway, I gave you a recommendation.
Because if you guna be a presumer, judgemental type, and asking irrelevant questions which has nothing to do with the thread why bother? And I am a music producer (part time) i have had to move into a flat, and in a flat you can't use studio monitors. So i need to use a friends at his house to master and edit my audio, which means taking it there atlas few times a week. So does that answer your question? Some of us actually use our macs for professional use rather than checking emails, oh was i being to presumptuous for you> Sorry!
How about a nice, thick padded sleeve that you can slip into your existing backpacks? Perhaps a bit cheaper than a high quality padded backpack. Thule or Incase sleeves are very nice, but also on the pricier side!
Otherwise, perhaps you could check out PC World's offer on laptop cases and sleeves? I really like the Logik sleeves, they are a nice scratch protection (although I doubt that they would survive a fall). http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/laptops-netbooks/laptop-bags-netbook-cases-705-c.html