you're a great help to me too Dan - honestly you should see all the different interpretations of the text on my thread that went through my head - I could have filled a whole thread with them! A pint sounds most welcome!
I entirely see your points below and understand. I think firm but fair is the way forward. And I also think that talking to an attorney (I assume that would be a solicitor?!) is a not a bad thing too, it is good to be armed with information to know where you stand but not necessarily to use. Knowledge is power, but ignorance is bliss sometimes