With you on most of the list but I have to stick up for F&B paint (no I have no personal connection). I find their paint to be super quality and the depth of colour pigment is just not matchable. I once tried to get Ammonite (mid/pale grey) colour matched at B&Q and it came out a cool grey with hint of blue - not even a close match. My whole house is F&B and I have had no problems. X