As one who has been in both 'camps', and is now in a third, I offer my observations. As you say Geoff, Bank Nurses often seem to be able to receive generous remuneration, even after the agency gets its cut. Why, I wonder, is it not the same for Biomeds, who, as you say, do not grow on trees? Where does the 'law of supply and demand' break down? Perhaps 'public opinion' has something to do with it..after all, everyone loves nurses wink and of course there are lots of them, so they have a powerful voice, which, when raised, soon engenders a wave of public support. Not so Biomeds....who/what are they anyway? Ah, boffins...well they must all get paid megabucks then!!