What about Canadian customers? Have they also inherited the worst of both worlds? English customers are really, really awful, I think. We don't say what we want. We ask for things sheepishly and apologetically. We cannot complain properly. We either put up with awful service, or we finally snap and complain angrily.

Talking about "to read" lists... I've not said anything about the Lymond Chronicles lately, but I'm still reading them, and still adoring them. I'm deliberately making each book last as long as possible, to prolong the pleasure, so I've only just started book 5. I don't want to talk about them until I've finished all 6, but this series is already up there with George RR Martin in my pantheon of favourite books. I'm so glad you recommended them!