Get the Messiah 2 from Charlie_PS2 or Dust2Dust.... Even though you are in the US, shipping will not be a problem...
Yes you can use a MAC for PS2 backups. There is a MAC user on the forum....(Sorry, I can't remember his name at the moment.)
I would send it to Bill..... In my opinion his price is very reasonable.. Or you could try it yourself.... (Then I think you would agree that his price is good)
Unsure about vcd's... I only use mine for games...