fair play to S.L.M.
the matter has now been concluded to my satisfaction.
S.L.M. have written a letter of apology and further more they have covered the cost of the aftermarket hugger i purchased from a 3rd party (something they were in no way obliged to do) and have also covered my travel expenses (to get home when i left the bike at the roadside) in full (something they were also not obliged to do).