Got the balancing redone today (at a different place - didn't want the 1.5hr round trip) - three of the four wheels were out, the left front and right rear were well out. The RR was 30gms out. Huge difference when done - no more vibrating of watch strap when on smooth tarmac at 100kph. Much nicer to drive. Clearly the original (un-)balance job was done by someone who didn't think that the owner of a 22 year old car in need of some cosmetic attention would know or care if it had been done properly or not.
Yes, I've heard of that left bias alignment "safety" technique - funny thing is the road camber tends to make a car bear left anyway, so if the alignment is left biased, what about the safety implications of the constant correction effort adding to driver fatigue?
I'll take it up with the (really good) bloke I take the car to, and suggest he gives his subcontractor a kick in the pants. And get the alignment redone as it still doesn't feel right.