I happened to go to a bonsai nursery on my travels and was suprised at how dry they let the trees become. After questioning about this I beleive I have been over concerned about drying the soil. Alright maybe you can say I have been over watering
I am going to keep them much dryer and do a semi emergency repot as soon as I am able. Many in trouble have drainage issues (for watever reason).
As you say flushing doesn't seem to work when the water pools.
Thanks heaps