Absolutely, Dave. You've hit the nail on the head with this:

Looking at some of the tests and knowing Mr Colloms at the time from mid-distance, I reckon that some of these pickups were slagged off because of the "next big thing..."
That's the problem, and as people are predisposed to believing what 'experts' say, what they write, is what sticks in their mind. That's why, on AoS, I'm determined to break through that prejudice and alert people to exactly what they're missing out on with some vintage gear!

Thanks for the info on the hierarchical pecking order of the various Goldrings, which is noted.

I intend to try a 'posher' elliptical stylus on the G800 (and of course the NOS one I've got coming), so that will be interesting, but I'm not necessarily expecting to prefer it.

Marco.