This is the point where Hank asks for a large dose of humble pie...obviously at some stage in my frenetic breadboarding activity (moving wires around all over the shop), I've actually got 5V going to the PNP emitter (not the 9V I thought was on there).

Just to prove the point...I put 9V on the emitter...the PIC lived, but the LEDS didn't turn off when the duty cycle went to 255.

You're all vindicated! (not that I ever doubted you!)

Charlie...this is just a hobby.