"the theif on the cross next to Christ who was told that he would be in heavan seems to indicate baptism of desire or blood. Although it is possible that he was already baptised"
Jesus did not make Baptism obligatory on all men until after His Resurrection.
Matthew 28: 19-20 "19 Going therefore, teach all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you..."
Also Jesus did not say he would be in heaven, He said paradise (Luke 23: 43), there is a difference.
Jesus did not go to Heaven that day. Where did he go? He went to hell, to the Limbo of the Fathers. This was a place, as described in Catholic Tradition, of natural happiness. A sort of paradise for those under the Old Law that died in favor with God. The Good Thief did not need Baptism because he was under the Old Law.
So there is no indication of Baptism of Desire or Blood.
"It does make logical sence to me that one who wants to be baptised and has absolutely no way of making it happen is in a very unique situation."
If a person is of Good Will, the Lord will make Baptism available to them through either Natural or Supernatural means. There are many teachings that prove one must have actual sacramental Baptism before death if one wants to go to heaven (read some of my older posts).
"Who then can be saved?"
Those who have been Baptized and die before the age of reason can be saved first of all. If one is above the age of reason, one needs to be Baptized, be in a state of grace (i.e. without mortal sin), believe in, at least, the basic tenets of the Catholic faith (i.e. Trinity, Incarnation), and one cannot obstinately believe in any heresy. Your question is not that deep or philosophical, it is easy to answer and anyone can understand it. The Faith is simple, one just needs to accept it.
"With man much is lacking but with God all things are possible."
This is true. If God makes something obligatory on all (i.e. Baptism) then He will make sure that anyone of Good Will can receive it.
God does not command impossibilities.
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