Unmarried Partner and Child Dependent Visa refused to UK

[ravstar]

So My partner of 13 1/2 years and my 13 year old daughter's Visa application to the UK from Trinidad & Tobago to join me (Brit Sponsor) has been refused!
Basically after getting advice (spent a lot of ££'s) from an Immigration lawyer and pursuing Unmarried Partner route, after 5 months waiting the home office refused stating "I am not satisfied that your sponsor is your partner for the purposes of appendix FM, however if I were to accept your sponsor is your partner I have reached this decision because I am not satisfied that a refusal would lead to unjustifiably harsh consequences to either you or your family."
This is difficult to understand, as we also have another child (age 2) together.
I returned to the UK 14 months ago and started the process for my family to join me, I have met ALL the other requisites and criteria from the Home Office and couldn't believe the decision and rejection from them.
I'm not sure if to appeal, go back to the drawing board or just give up and return to my family there

[secret.simon]

Can you reproduce the entire rejection letter, taking out all personally identifiable information?

[CR001]

For an unmarried partner visa, the 2 years evidence of cohabitation in relation akin to marriage prior to date of application is mandatory and there is no discretion on this. Note this does not apply if you were married.

As you returned to the UK so long before applying, they have likely failed on this point too. HO would permit a period of separation of 6 months for unmarried partner visas.

[ravstar]

I learnt that the hard way Unfortunately it took me seven months to start the application process as part of the Financial requirements were at least six months payslips which I had to produce...