Not sure if resurrecting my original thread is the 'done thing', or whether I should have started another, but oh well, I've done it now.
I've done some more watching and purchasing/borrowing/whatever in the meantime, and have had a mixed experience...
Ai Yori Aoshi - 8/10, including Enishi. Have to admit I really liked it.
Mahoromatic - 7/10, I'm halfway through the first season so my mark may change, but it's very good so far.
Starship Operators - 7/10, very entertaining, really enjoyed the story.
Shakugan no Shana II - 7.5/10, almost as good as the first. First anime I've watched 'live' (had to wait a week for each episode).
Seto no Hanayome, 5/10, have given up for now after 5 eps as its style is really getting on my nerves.
Death Note, have got hold of it but not watched any yet.
Still trying to get hold of Code Geass, Shuffle!, Samurai X, and am contemplating Onegai Teacher and Onegai Twins - I'm told they're a bit 'young', though.
Thanks to everyone who's made suggestions - if there are any new anime series that you think may fit the bill, please feel free to suggest them. I'm not up to date on what's being made/shown now.