So the beloved bike's been in for its first service - no metal in the oil but loads of sealant crap on the gauze - I've seen that mentioned here by others. The bit of hanging gasket I posted about before is, it seems, just a spare bit of gasket. They've used a gasket with a bit extra on it apparently, but the seal is good, the mechanic tells me. He's put a new one on and it has the same bit spare underneath, but not quite so visible as before. He said the bit of gunk seepage underneath is just chain lube. I'm more or less reassured. I rode about eighty miles after I picked the bike up and was pleased at how smooth it felt compared to the loan bike. Oil level good and no drips underneath. So be it.
I hope this reassures Billy2sheds who has the same gasket issue on his bike. Although it's puzzling that his seems to have much more gasket showing - about four inches I think he said. I'd really like to know what your mechanic says Billy.
The brake shaft is replaced of course - a casting fault is the general consensus.
They had a look at the slightly offset fuel tank, although I only mentioned it as an amusing aside, and they suggested ordering a new one, but frankly it doesn't bother me that much. I'm a bit left-leaning myself after all.
Also found a place that'll lower the seat for me at a reasonable price, although I'm a lot more comfortable with the slow manoeuvres now, despite one hairy moment on the lanes up to Dartmoor yesterday....