Clarrett
Just finished one as a matter of fact! Some time next week we must share one, I just bought a couple and they are OK.
Re Gove, I have found them quite helpfull.
I have regularly found the opposite scenario to you, where the MAF guys are ready to line up ahead of us, I ask politely can we follow them down and depart behind them, have never had a problem.
I have also had them depart ahead. I reckon it takes 6-7 mins from off blocks for the F/A's to do their stuff so if you taxi down and let them go its only a min or two and off you go. If you don't like that idea, anything against letting them follow you down and depart as number 2. Its their problem re tryuing to avoid the massive jet blast!
NFR.
NO WE DON'T WANT DARWIN ATC EXTENDED ANY FURTHER THAN 30 NM IF POSSIBLE.