Nope.
<Holmes>
But is it not also apparent Watson, that as said proxy server was not configured, then NTL was transparently forcing me through the "duff" or "incorrectly working" proxy server cache1-brtn.server.ntli.net, hence giving me my issues?
Otherwise my dear watson why am i experiencing the same problems WITHOUT the proxy configured as i am if i have cache1-brtn.server.ntli.net configured?
A stunning coincidence don't you think?
</Holmes>
(prepares lots of egg for my face...)