I hated MPA, which I thought was a cold, soulless, unfriendly, self-absorbed nest of utter nobs. I went to Byron for my R&R.
I did two tours at MPA, in '94 and '96, and can reassure you it was not as you thought. It's just that you moutain boys had your mates up there and we had ours in the lowlands. Wednesday quiz night in the Sgts mess were always excellent as was the impromtu karaoke afterwards. Many happy memories and when I find the pics I'll post some up.
I have to say though that I had one EXTREMELY good dining in night up at Kent in '94.
cheers chaps.