Thanks very much highinfidel, I'd given up hope that someone was going to reply to this post.
I understand what you are saying, haven't tried it yet, but since I first posted this thread I've had a look at a tutorial on this site about modes and what you've written makes a lot of sense.
It's something I've wondered about for a long time and when I found this page I finally found a place to put the question to many people.
I'll give it a try and see how I go, It might be just the thing I need to take my playing to a new level,
Thanks again
NITRO