Interesting points you make Babbyann.
First earlies (Sharpes Express) needed to be cared for so much more too, and were nothing much after a couple of weeks but the second earlies we sowed - Charlotte - have been outstanding!
I can't really get much enthisiasm for maincrop either, as they take up ground-room during the year, and then floor-room in the shed - for just a few quid.
So probably next year, it'll be second earlies, slaughter them young, then make them last as long as possible into the maincrop period...