First of all, apologies for the time of this posting. My 3 year old son decided to start singing the theme tune to Maggie and the Ferocious Beast just now and I know I won't be going back to sleep.
Thanks guys for the suggestions. It all makes more sense now and I am amazed at how the permanent use of carb heat at anything below cruise power made a difference last night.
The "gap" in the power rise was particularly worrying. It was enough on short finals to warrant a missed heart beat.
Thanks also BRL for allowing me the use of this forum for what some might deem to be "off topic" discussions!!!