WM wrote:
What is the best way to remove the newer style picture hooks?
http://www.screwfix.com/sfd/i/cat/72/p1657772_l.jpg
Q.1 -- What method of removal miminises the damage to the wall, given
that I already have several of these in the wall?

Hm. Whack them left, right, up, down sliding your hammer
over a bit of plastic or cardboard until they're loose
enough to come off?

Q.2 -- Is there a way to fix these in future (perhaps by not
hammering the pins right in???) which permit them to come away with
less wall damage?

I doubt it.