Gents.
If any of you (and I include myself) take any one thing from this thread, let it be this:
If you need flaps/ slats for take off, use them. Go on, put them out!
All the rules and regs written into your books will not help you.
Never forget your PPL training. Never let all the BS get in your way.
You're on your own (you and the F/O) look after yourselves.
He who relies on the books alone, is a twit.