Hi Egg,
I think you've pretty much summed it up! However, persevere, you'll get used to it after about a year!
If you're up in NW5, then you're surely not a million miles away from many of the familiar and friendly faces on here - myself included. I insist that you attend a Soho meet very soon.
I guess you're working here too - whereabouts?
As for insurance, I got what I thought was a stupendous deal from HR Insurance (
www.insurance2000.co.uk) for 3PFT in Islington. This covered the bike parked outside on a public road, and recognised the Alphadot and Abus disc lock as security devices. With 1years NCD, and one accident, 26yo with 1 years riding - about £500, was a good deal.