I wanted to go to a restrained pindot pattern ( grid of dots spaced at
about
6" ) in wool,
but have found out that for technological reasons, pindot wool carpets are
only
produced using woven Axminster or Wilton techniques, hence we're talking
£30+/sq.metre which is a little steep for me.

Who told you that? Tufted carpets can be produced in any pattern you want,
the process is actually more flexible and capable of detail than either
Axminster or Wilton methods.

Dave