Well its nice to know what prevented the problem, i am with you on oil changes i do 2 a year on all cars i own. I do short journeys mainly with a good run every now and then, i must say my oil is clean as a whistle at the moment, but wont stop me changing it when the time comes.
People who say there is no need i say each to his own. As of engine flush used them but not any longer. Reason been oil will always be in the sump unless sucked out, as a lot of modern cars are done now.
But its each to there own, and what works for you that really matters. On petrol they are not all the same, some add adatives some dont, never ever put tesco morrisons etc in my cars. That is just me and not knocking those who do, like i say what works for you is all that matters.
My mate next door swears by redex, and i have used this myself an old favorite. Been around since the ark.