Phil, you've made my day..not to gloat on anyone's misfortune, but 15 straight blnaks makes me look like an expert...
Seriously, now, I agree with all that you said above. (and thanks for the comments on the article)
In fact I'm going back out this evening after (big)chub. I'm still confident !!
I guess it's each to his own and I don't expect everybody to like my approach to fishing. There are probably folks reading this thinking 'just go out and catch some gudgeon from the canal or something. Just to catch'. But I'm happy fishing the way I am, if I'm not happy then it's time to change I guess....