sorry to see this post, sadly I do know how you feel 
Malcolm, Clive, thanks for the comments but it won't be stationary long. It looks 99% a chipped apex seal but will only be sure when its in bits. My last compression test was in the high 4s so it wasn't so much of a surprise tbh. Strangely it was still pulling harder than ever and only knew there was a problem below 3k.
Hoping to be back on track with a fresh engine before the pumpkins come out.
