Just finished reading through this post Nick - a stonking good read and a very nice outcome. About to build my first 'real' workbench having had fun doing loads of research and trying to remember how I like to work - having not been able to make anything of any note for over 3 years. (Retired and moved to a semi-wreck in Scotland so building work has taken all my time).
Your post has been inspirational - I've picked up all sorts of tips and ideas from others' comments and been able to refine and finalise my fledgling plans as a result. Ordered the timber today - excited!