So really, this isn't "I am sick of Windows Phone" thread, it is "I am really sick of music intergration on Windows Phone" Thread.
My fellow WPC community mostly think I am nuts for still being on a Lumia 900 WP 7, but the main reason I am is that I love the XBOX Music I have, and I love the Zune intergration. The playlists do not work for crap, but otherwise it is a seamless experience. I, of course, will be on WP 8 before long, but I am dreading the loss of Zune.
If you prefer WP 8 as an OS, but the main thing you use your device for is a music player, this is a hard piece of advice to give. I cannot say go to the iPhone, because of the 4 is your only choice, then that is not a choice. I personally feel you need the iPhone 5 or better to ensure the OS does not drive you to the same brink of aggarvation you are at over the music player right now.
Also going out of the country? For how long? (You really do not make things easy on yourself, do you?)
I just feel your pain. Take a slice of this, add it to that OS, and a dash of this, and all would be good. Instead, you are torn between a tough decision and a bad situation.
In this circumstance, I honestly would advice you to tough it out with the WP until you are in a position to actually make a decent purchase to replace WP8. Right now, MS is attempting to fix things, and if they get it right in a matter of a few updates, all this money you are paying for a lesser device will really depress you. If they do not, you at least have time to find a better bargain.