Interesting observations, meggeth! I think you're probably right in all you say, although I always think fresh garlic and ginger is better than the alternative. Having said that, I use jars of garlic paste and ginger paste too for most curries, although I use PanPot's Ashoka method to prepare the G/G paste, so it doesn't spit when it hits the curry pan.
I also use a sturdy silicone spatula for cooking curries in my non-stick Prestige aluminium wok.
I suppose it's all down to the individual, but what suits some won't suit others. It would be a queer world if we were all the same!
