As OP glad to hear of other experiences, the ski boot analogy I identify with as well. If anyone skiis you probably know that there are those skiers who strap on a pair of boots in the morning and never touch them again or are even that troubled, then are those like myself who are constantly fiddling, loosening, tightening and in general agony for the first couple of days until the feet grow acustomised to the constraint - and folk seem to fall into one camp or the other (yes I have been boot fitted professionally). I am trying the next size up on the lake and see where we land. Agree with the poster on the Bont oven moldable concept I found the sole really hard and feet hung over the sides no matter how often I put the sodding shoes in the oven. In some ways its a bit like saddles once you find one that fits you tend to stick with the model - unfortunately manufacturers dont tend to keep the model the same. Still have a pair of shimano MW80s which I bought secondhand yonks ago and they just fit and can ride in them all day. Anyway - fingers crossed for the next size up (ps would love to walk into a shop and try on but try to find a shop that stocks enough shoes).
I don't know where you are in the country but there was a chap who ran such a shop. RXM Custom in Huthwaite but I think he may have moved to Long Eaton.