I know that a return ticket is considered important, but given the uncertainty of getting the temporary visa, what do applicants do?
My wife first tried to get a TRV with a return ticket and was denied. We switched the direction of travel and I went there instead and it only cost us an extra $300.
Second time we didn't book a flight first, not wanting to waste $300 and it was granted.
If the money is an object don't book.