Glad to see this thread of mine refreshed after a month away. I would point out that my OP asked ~~

"Neither {Rees or Partridge] can give an origin of this formulaic catchphrase-complaint. I bet someone on Mudcat will know. And has anyone any significant variants from above version[s]?" ~~

and the result above has been many interesting variants {pt 2 of my query}, for which thanks to all posters; but no suggestions as to origins, my main enquiry.

Anyone?

~M~