I don't really want to deal with people who don't know their job, there are far to many things to waste time on as it is, and yes, perhaps I should have phoned first to check stock, or when I got the feeling the girl was out of her comfort zone asked for a more experienced assistant...well it's the shops loss, there would appear to be a glut of these cameras about at the moment. So drove off to Exeter for the afternoon and the first camera shop I walked into had two of each 30 & 40D's (some boxed with the original accessories) and all cheaper. The assistant knew his stuff and if he didn't, found the answers quickly, offered positive advice based on my requirements - all good stuff.
Mind you I've still not bought a camera but will try and get that sorted by the end of next week. ;¬)