I understand what you say about the agencies totally, but I already have the benefit of a previous users (good friend) experiences and know that the advice/instruction he got was much better than applying for visas without it! IE first time 'blind'. Seriously.
I think I might best ask particular questions as you advise.
Rather than continue this 'introduce yourself' thread.
Which seems to go no further than 'beware scammers'.
Good advice I have to say, but not what I need.
I'm long past that one.
But I don't denigrate good advice. It's very welcome and needed at times.
Many thanks for your understanding and kind thoughts.
John.