Dougie,
I have referred in an earlier post to the HSP and mine laying 'bright ideas' during Corporate. I was at the EU and part of our remit was to provide specialist advice to the group staffs as and when required. As retaking the Falkands was 'mission impossible' rhere were no real contingency plans. So when Maggie decided to do it all manner of wierd and wonderful ideas were put forward by our VSO and political betters. These were passed down the chain to the HQ newly discovered MRCA (AKA the 'K').
Because they came from 'on high' they could not be dismissed as lunatic as most were. They all had to be staffed and a report sent back up the chain.
So we were kept busy clerking providing group with the specilist advice mentioned above.