Mr Scunner - as you probably guessed, my post was pretty much directed at you, although it was not a criticism - I simply asked a series of genuine questions that I'm sure many intelligent people would like answers to. I am not as sychophantic as many of the people on here and, although I try to choose my words carefully (and attempt to spell and punctuate them correctly) if I offend your sensibilities, then so be it!
So, it seems to me that what you are saying is that the extra 4-5% is for services above and beyond what would be considered in the UK as the call of duty for an estate agent? I imagine that you are an honourable (albeit stern) man Mr Scunner, and that you would indeed continue to hold your customer's hands long after completion, but does this apply to all agents? Is there any actual legal obligation for them to do so? Does the extra 4-5% mean that I don't have to bother with a legal representative or a building surveyor because my agent will sort it all out for me?
Having said that, if you (loz) do use the services of an agent to find/view properties, then it is unethical (and probably illegal) to then go and make a deal directly with the seller. Whether or not you use a solicitor has nothing to do with it.