All very useful info - thanks very much for taking the time to post it all!
Your experience with the paramo (and thoughts on Helly-Hensen) base-layer sounds very much what I'm hoping to achieve, so that's great to hear! I was already considering the HH lifa, but will see what paramo offer as well - perhaps if built like other paramo stuff, longevity could warrant higher initial prices.
I'm not bulky but am still a long way from having a toned torso, so I've generally gone for looser fits.. but now it looks like that has been a mistake wrt best comfort. So perhaps for use under a waterproof (and windproof) I'll just go with the intended snug fit, and maybe put a looser poly tee over it if the outer shell ever gets taken off whilst in company.
Yeah, I've never achieved 'dry' in the rain, so am not expecting too much. I suppose base-layers will always add some insulation whether wished or not, and waterproofs all restrict permeability and breathability (whatever their marketing may suggest). But I don't actually mind getting a bit damp provided it isn't also uncomfortable, so probably I'll count it as successful if the moisture being evaporated can keep up with any amount of sweat and ingress, whilst the baselayer avoids feeling besieged in the process.
Thanks again,
Kev