Like some Cranfield procedures, the Stapleford procedure is entirely valid, the only reason it isn't official is that it costs a stupid amount of money to keep the procedure valid and official.
CAT3C, I share your sentiment regarding fag packet procedures, it's not something i'd like to attempt after having to hash an approach into Barton with a cloudbase of 700ft and only a GPS to use! A day I was not particularly proud of - it could easily have gone wrong, I just had no alternative.
Horgy