Yes, proper speedtest as you put it shows a decrease through the webcache. The speeds via the webcache are a round a 1/4 of what they are compared to no webcache. So the web based tests are innacurate but not by much – at least they give a quick indication of any issues.

As for DNS, it’s a Virgin problem and not a BBC problem (and hence why Google also see me as being in Ireland!). If any other Virgin owners are getting this they should contact Virgin helpdesk to get it resolved. They admitted the problem…but have yet to resolve it for me.