DAVE and TL, kudos and my respect to you both. It is really good to see in this forum people helping out others with such good, practical advice.
BTG- you posted an intelligent question and got fitting replies. Go to it mate! And keep in mind DAVE's last paragraph as it is the same in my experience- when you feel like you are at the bottom of the barrel and everything has turned to worms, keep your head up and your eyes open as "it" is just around the corner- dropping your bag at these times is when you miss your opportunities.
If i was to add anything more to the posts above i would only prove that i am not half as witty and intelligent as i think i am so... good luck!!
HJ