I have been doing 6 months here 6 months UK since 2009
Been married 14 years and my Wife has been multiple times back to UK
on a 6 month visa with me, we do the paperwork together
The rules on income have changed this year for Foreigners to stay permanently , and on your income you will not qualify
In your case I think you should start again as you have been refused once
A good agent with good reviews is what you need , dealing through your wife is not a good idea as she may not understand fully what the requirements are