Brian,
My interest in your post was pricked by your dealings with the ICO. The MoD is in breach of the Act by simply failing to deliver a response or denial notice.
The ICO can only usually say whether on the facts available that the MoD was likely, or unlikely to have complied with the Act. Get that asap (the ICO is a toothless thing) and then go to Court applying for an Order directing them to comply and drawing to the Court's attention, the provisional finding of the ICO.
You can claim damages against the MoD don't forget - even if you can't prove earnings, you can claim for about £9+ per hour 'wasted' plus costs. If the MoD is going to say that your approaches are vexatious and consequently, they aren't going to comply, get your mates to submit questions - spread the load.
http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documen...guidance_1.pdf
http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documen...nce_051208.pdf