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