Thanks for the info. I thought about it again and then decided to buy one, I ordered it this morning, plus 15% off. I considered a more expensive down jacket but then I thought, how warm do I want, or need to be? If this was the 60s and I was living in Kent again, then yes I would have bought a down version, or perhaps the best synthetic one that was available, but as we have had 20-30years here in the south of mild winters (except for one or two short really cold periods) I concluded a second choice jacket is all that I need. Could be wrong of course, this winter might become the coldest on record?
I've also reached that time in life where I have so much 'hiking' clothing it now offers me so much more mix and match possibilities.
The only garment which I want to replace, but not now is my Marmot Precip, which has a damaged hood, the waterproofing in this area no longer works and when it rains I get a wet back. After the experience of so many types of clothing I am now of a confident view that, except for my outer waterproof jacket, I will no longer buy anything with a hood! All I need is a good hat or two. I would also that say after extensive use I do not think Marmot can truthfully say the Precip 'breathes', if it does it must be just very minimal. From the day I bought it he one thing I have always disliked is how clammy it can get against bare skin.