sarge the first 10 toe-curling seconds thing does go! Took about 3 weeks this time for me. My little ones have all had a dummy too, never to put off a feed or anything like that, still fed on demand, but like you I get used as a dummy which has made me very sore in the past. Also they would want to suck for comfort but milk would come out and they'd get upset and windy as they were already full and just wanted to suck, not have milk. Sometimes it helps DS3 to get to sleep and sometimes he doesn't want it. Personally, even though I don't like the look of them, I prefer them to a thumb because if they are still using one when they are a toddler (mine have until 2.5 just for naps and sleeping) then you can remove it. Some friends of mine are starting to worry about the potential long term issues with their little ones who are very attached to their thumbs but don't seem to be able to do a lot about it.
Night time is starting to develop a pattern here. Feeds early evening, sleeps until about 10.30pm, short feed, sleep until roughly 1am, short feed, sleep, 3.30ish big feed and wide awake for about an hour, back to sleep until around 6.30-7ish when I have to get up with DS1&2 anyway. Had DS3 weighed yesterday, he's 4 weeks old, and he is now 10lb 2oz (from 7lb 10oz at 10 days) so really pleased with weight gain, I think it's partly due to all the chocolate I crave and eat when breastfeeding....that's my excuse anyway 
Got to have all three out of the house by 8.50am tomorrow for pre-school (by myself, DH at work from 5am), eeek! Must get myself in gear in the mornings, am so not a morning person!