Thanks to all who replied to sooth my fevered brow.

The PIC FAQ is being posted to the list, even as I type.

The consensus is to stay with ascii at present.

Your mission, (should you choose to accept), is to proof-read, fact-check and
generally pick holes in it.
You have until midnight [GMT] on monday 6th Feb to report.
[short time-scale I know but the list hiccough threw me off track]
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   TAK