Hi Red
thanks for that...I hadn't read back into the 2004 reports (first learning point I guess).
And I hadn't seen people "trailing" likely deals before - though I haven't looked all that widely.
Also point taken on the costs going down.
Shanagan - thanks, but if it sounded good it was beginners luck!
PC-49 - "dangerous"?? Well, that'll be exactly why I want to work out how these things work before I risk real money - which, as yet I don't have. Graduate salaries aren't all they're reported to be! I'm sorry if a cautious approach irritates you. Oh, and it's not about putting money where my mouth is - I'm not advocating one position or another, just trying to understand how people read the numbers and the reports. Clearly you are vastly more experienced than I am at this, but if all you can add is patronising then please don't bother.
JJ