CHeers one and all - I think I may have isolated my problem (but feel free to continue posting speeds

)
Turns out my modem was using the wrong config file, according to the tech, so he re-applied the upgrade. Unfortunately, he did say that it may also be due to my modem just being too old and flaky, so a new one may be required.
The upgrade patch made no difference so I called back tonite, and have a house call on monday with a new modem.
I guess my only gripe now, is that the first guy told me that in a 5min phone call, and the "overseas" lass this evening insisted on re-running all the speed tests (abt 20mins) only to come back and say "I think we need to send you a tech...." - Now I understand they have to be diligent, but that took the mickey a little as I'd already done all that once...........
I guess what also galls me is that they made a point of putting a note on my file about the one time I had 18 open netstat connections on a support call ("Oh yes sir, you're the one with the 18 open connections"), but they don't log what they've told me, so I have to prove it all over again,.....
ahem
move along....
muds