@Loud speaker
"Because anyone can cut a replacement/duplicate mechanical key if they have the original - it costs a couple of pounds."
The intersting bit there *ANYONE* can cut a replacement.. I used to be able to use my megane key to open my mums clio... Of course being a law abiding citizen I never tried it on other cars but I am CERTAIN that it would open other Renaults too :)
Are you proposing that we go back to that for the sake of saving a few ££ *IF* you lose your key?