SeventhHeaven, thanks for the response, very helpful indeed.
As someone with a low tolerance for bull**** maybe Stapleford and I are a perfect match!
Actually one of the things I quite like is the fact there is a range of aircraft. The ME rating is done on a Seneca (as far as I'm aware) so more to deal with with all those extra levers and knobs and therefore added experience which I see as a positive myself. The IR is flown on the DA42 (again, as far as I'm aware) which is possibly a better platform for IR flying with its modern avionics.
I don't want to get stung by extra lessons where not needed by a flying school with pound signs in their eyes and from what you say Stapleford isn't such a place.
Once again, appreciate you taking the time to reply and congratulations on finding a flying job (however long that took!)