CS Grad with 2 Years Exp - ACS Deduction & Visa Odds for AU vs NZ?

Hi everyone, I'm really hoping to get some clarity on my migration path as a software engineer. I've got a Computer Science degree and exactly two years of full-time experience post-graduation, plus I've completed my PTE. My goal is to work in tech in Australia (looking at subclasses 189, 190, 491) or New Zealand, and I'm trying to figure out the most realistic next steps. My immediate thought was the ACS skills assessment for Australia, but I'm worried about their 2-year deduction rule for international ICT major degrees. If I only have two years of experience in total, will that mean I end up with zero points for skilled employment on my EOI, even if I get a 'Suitable' outcome? I'm wondering if a really strong PTE score (aiming for 20 points) could still make me competitive for an invitation as an offshore applicant if my work experience points are zero, or if the cut-offs for tech roles are generally too high for that. I'm also considering New Zealand, especially since software roles are on their Green List (Straight to Residence pathway). Is it realistic to secure an offshore job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer with only two years of experience, or are they usually looking for more senior talent? Apart from just waiting to gain more work experience, what else can I do right now to make my profile more appealing for Australian state nominations (190/491)? Any advice on specific tech stacks, certifications, or regional targets to focus on would be incredibly helpful!