Well I have driven that route a number of times over the last month and have to say that, while it is not the best drive in the world it is not the horror show it used to be. Certainly, there are patches of 40 and 50mph, as mandated by the overhead gantries. Once the M40 junction is passed it gets better. My journey is around 70 miles and is generally done in 80 to 90 minutes,
The worst thing about that trip is not the patches of slow going but the muppets who think they can drive but in reality couldn't drive a donkey cart!