Yes, it's the exact same tape drive I've been using extensively for
testing, and all that time it had been sitting in the same position on
the floor.  I moved it on Monday, and then amanda took off like a
lightning bolt.

Wow, that's something I'll be classing as very weird, but very good.  I
was impressed by the 9 hours it took to do backups, but now I'm
speechless...

I've introduced a new tape for tonight's backup run.  Will see what it
tells me tomorrow.

Thanks very much for your help!