It is very easy to get russian visas.

I applied for multy entry business visa now for the 2nd time.

No problem.
I Just went to an agency who did that for me.

So it is easily possible for everyone else.
You just need a visa agency which is able to do that for you !!!

So, bad news. I have got refused the visa. No explanation given.
Rerouting through Caspian Sea and Azerbaijan.

Don't forget that you can now enter Russia from Azerbaijan (I did it myself in May in a 4x4), which saves a lot of money on the ferry, and the hassle of buying tickets and waiting.

EO