Great write up, Garf, and it has a lot of resonance for me. The first couple of times I tried it was a miserable failure, really depressing. But making some of the adjustments you outlined above worked wonders. I think the points you make about being stressed and having crap trim are really crucial. Trying to relax and attempting to maintain a more horizontal trim really was the crux for me - at least after I had changed my suit
-and made it much easier to locate the valves. Still a long way from perfect, but improving slowly.
Nice one mate.
Dave