Mr Dune, Sir:
You'll see from my profile that I'm a long-timer here on PPRuNe. (In fact, I was posting on the boards in late 97, before a six-month hiatus due to the arrival of my first daughter.) In that time I've seen the 'professional' element of posts deteriorate a great deal, at least in some of the Forums I visit.
I honestly think yours is one of the best posts I've read in a while: lucid, cogent and honest.
Someone recently mentioned the concept of 'internet virtual beer'. Lacking the facility to buy you a real one, please accept this as token for as many virtual ones as you see fit.
Thanks for your help.
FP
(A lame handle, I know; but when I got back to the boards, my original one was taken by some upstart who doesn't post, and probably doesn't even lurk!)