Just to close the saga. When I returned, I put in a claim to British Airways for everything I bought (except CDs and DVDs!), split about 50:50 between clothes + razor and computer equipment for a Sony laptop charger, the universal charger with PSP and Palm adaptors, Belkin retractable cable kit, firewire cable etc etc.
I also claimed for the damaged suitcase, and for an excess parking fee incurred because of luggage handling delays arriving home.
BA paid up the full amount by cheque* for the clothes and ALL the computer gubbins, but refused to pay for a new suitcase (because I didn't claim within 7 days of flying, which would have been nearly impossible as I didn't get the suitcase until 6d 20hours after arriving) nor the parking. So, I am moderately happy!
* it's vital when claiming against an airline to quote the Montreal Convention and insist on cash payment not vouchers, otherwise (as many found) they will send vouchers which can only be redeemed against full-price fares!