I tried the split/tr/map approach suggested by Grandfather and got ~ 60% reduction in time, great ! (and yes you got my app requirement exactly right)

I think should withdraw my words that there's nothing to be gained from the special functions when you're just marching down strings and doing a seemingly arbitrary logic function (and also my words about inadequate context). Splitting at simple marker points and counting a simple set of chars within the splits, combined with Perl's superb list handling, is not arbitrary spaghetti logic. Lesson learned.

One query: the ?<= construct was new to me, I've played with it and read up on it (perlre/Extended Patterns/Look-Around Assertions) and I'm 80% there but if anyone could explain exactly how this RE is ensuring I get exactly what I need I'd be grateful.

Will continue to check some other posts, thanks all

GJE