Gent's, thanks for the replies. I've contacted the CAA for a recheck of my exam as I really can't understand how my mark was so low (been doing mock tests and passing with fairly high marks). They said that as it was the holidays it'll be 10 days after they come back in the New Year, so I'm hoping for some sort of Christmas administrative error miracle.
The more I think about it, the airline route would upset family life too much for me. I have 2 kids now under 3 years old and I don't want to be away for periods of time, not seeing them and leaving my wife to deal with bringing up children. Smash Bugger is right that flying gets in the blood but realistically what do I want more; to fly for a living or see and take part in my family growing up? I think the latter, it's cheaper and the industry is too volatile and pilot saturated for someone like me. Had I been single and childless however......
G-RICH, that's an interesting point with regard to commercial level exams. I sat my first exam in June 10 so my 18 months has really gone. Instructing (though not full time, I still have a mortgage and nursery fees to pay!) would be a way to continue flying and something that I think I'd enjoy and hopefully be good at. Once I get the recheck results back I'll give the CAA a call and see what their take on a GNav resit for an Instructors rating would be and let you know how I got on.
Once again, thanks for all your replies and help.