Andrew--

>>dietary purines do not contribute that much compared to endogenous
recycling/cannibalisation of purines.  the issue seems to lie in why the
body reacts so strongly. ie an auto-immune issue<<.

This is a valid point, Andrew. Impaired immune function is rampant and
pervasive today, due to the lack of vital mono & polysaccharides which
are processed out of our basic food supplies. Complex saccharides such as
Mannose, Fucose, Galactose, Xylose, N-acetylgalactosamine,
N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylneuraminic
Acid are no longer found in the western diet. The result is an epidemic
of  progressive human autoimmune dysfunction. This nutritional deficiency
is manefested in the rising rates of chronic disorders such as Cancer,
diabetes, osteoporiasis, arteriosclerosis, et al. Recent statistical
studies have suggested immune dysfunction as the single common factor in
all these conditions.

Further evidence is manefested by examples of confused immune system
disorders such as Hashimoto's disease, wherein, the body becomes allergic
to it's own thyroid hormone, and immuno antibodies attack the thyroid
tissues. The same phenomena  is also observed in similar pancreatic
hormonal/tissue immune responses. Under this overview of chronic
disorders, the focus of priorities must, of necessity, be shifted toward
immune system issues. All other considerations must take a back seat in
this scenario, wouldn't you agree?...or do you hold with another general
overview?

Ben in Seattle