Thanks all, for the kind words.
@Nobody, re front cable outer length...it is a whisker shorter than I would have liked. You know how you're supposed to measure twice and cut once? I cut once too many when I was eyeballing the length. That said, because the fork turns with the bars (no....really?!) the cable never gets any shorter so it works out ok.
@DaveOZ re: full commuter kit. Nope. For the foreseeable future I am only commuting once per week, so I just take a change of clothing into work the day before. I want this bike to be a ready-for-anything bike, so when I want to take a short ride with Mini-Me (age very nearly 9) to go and get an ice cream I won't want pannier racks. I've enjoyed the build so much I'm already plotting next winters project...which will be a single speed 69'er.
This morning was the first commute. Nothing fell off, which is always a bonus. The Brooks saddle was comfortable, and I think it will get better yet. There is some toe overlap which I need to get used to at very slow speeds. The brakes are good, and possibly even improving as the pads bed in. Dropped the chain once moving onto the small ring, but that's easily sorted. I'll need to re-dish the rear wheel 'cause there is very little clearance on the left chain stay, and a small amount of rub when I start a wheelie (although no rub in regular riding).