nope. problem still there and haven't fixed it yet. Mainly because it isn't bugging me enough yet and I've had other bits to fix first. Also because the stalk doesn't look like it comes apart for cleaning and the nature of the problem leads me to suspect its a bad contact deep in the innards. I know from experience that its hard to disassemble worn switches and make them work right again so looks like the only fix is to buy a new stalk.
now if I could only figure out a way to get the wiper to wipe clean right in front of my eyes instead of creating a juddering smear I could live with any amount of unpredicability from the wiper switch.
(i think I just jacked my own thread there, doh!)