Simon, I love your style of writing, you've got a gift mate!
As you know I was brought up on the BA, from the age of six my dad had me catching chub at Lacock. Like you I've moved on and you know I'm obsessed with the 2lber!
Watercraft can't be learnt through books, dvd's or videos. You are completely correct about how to learn it, but another valuable tool is to sit behind anglers and watch what they are doing. I've spent hours quietly crouched down behind anglers watching and learning, some are more forthecoming than others with their willingness to talk and share their knowledge, but in general if you approach them quietly and politely ask questions they all give a little bit to you.
Another fascinating thing for me is when I invite friends, usually from FM to come and fish our river. I love to see how they approach it and what they do. What are they looking at when they look at a swim? What is going through their minds? Of course I share my knowledge, but am always intrigued to know how they are reading 'it'.....the water.
Looking forward to catching up with you again on the bank this autumn, see you soon and keep writing.