You sticklers for grammar and diction should stay away from blues songs and sea shanties, then. You'll soon run out of red ink.

I am having difficulty understanding why it is wrong to say "I wish I was". I wish I was a Teddy Bear. I wish I was in Kerrickfergus. I wish I was in possession of my Fowler's at this moment.

I understand that the new OED has relaxed the rules of grammar and usage, no doubt to be in keeping with Cool Brittania and young princes in baseball caps. I must get a copy.