@ Robert - Thank you for taking the time and trouble to detail what you have found so far. When you are starting afresh, which I feel a little like I am after all these years, any hard won experience from somebody else is useful to know. In this case the fact Kinetic didn't cause you any problems in periods of high volatility would suggest their feed (for now at least) is able to handle those levels of change.

The trade off emerging seems to be between not driving my fixed monthly costs higher than they need on the one hand, but spending enough to ensure a consistent service on the other. As was pointed out, and as I'm rapidly learning, things are more expensive now :-)

@ Ian - Thank you, I shall read your blog with interest. I'm guessing, based on forum protocol, that my thoughts related to that area of things are best kept out of this thread....especially since I'm a complete beginner in that area!