Cheers mate... I have seen those tactics employed by some in my time to be honest, it achieves nothing in the long run and as you say it's a selfish attitude to take and just holds people back... All things change with time and no matter how much you might miss someones input to the team you have to admire someone who seeks to better themselves... he was gutted today, the sudden realization that he was leaving a job where he has built up some good friendships hits home a bit in the final goodbyes.. The new site Director was good enough to come shake his hand this morning and wish him luck which meant a lot to him, he is a decent people person, he was the only Director that came round to all the staff on the shop floor and wish each person a merry xmas in person last year.. quality that!