One comment I did see about being stuck on an electric 387 without power....that the door open button didn't work....whether that was usual for a door failure or as a result of having no power overhead, not sure.

But there were crossed legs for sure. Should the doors fail such that they aren't locked shut but have a manual lock lever?

I was on the 20 03 Pad - Ply last night.  We left on time(ish), got to just past Old Oak Common, then were taken back into Paddington.  This was 21 00 so I thought it best to cut my losses, get a hotel and try in the morning.  I know the hotels in the Ealing/Brentford area so went there by tube, stayed in the Ealing Travelodge and travelled back from Brentford via Feltham and Reading.   Smooth trip, booked time from Reading (obviously started there) and back here in Plymouth around 14 30.   Wires down an occasional (and hopefully, fingers crossed, very rare) hazard of overhead electrification.

Another example where having more diversionary routes would help when it comes to managing events like this.  E.g. via High Wycombe to Bourne End?

Wrong again.

How do you suggest NR prevent IETs from ripping down their wires?? Hardly NRs fault, this.

...other than the need for sunshades (which really address the different issue on sun getting peoples' eyes).