I didn't really want to join this post, but. How many of us are there? If you don't know that how can you work out whether the results are truly representative?

In answer to your questions Dave,

1. Depends on grade.
2. Definitely not.
3. Sort of.
4. Useful but not essential.
5. See my previous posts!
6. Sir!.... Biomedical Engineer.
7. Yes, limited.
8. In-house backed up with good engineering qualifications.

Is there a prize draw for doing this wink