Yeah, ok, I'm an idiot.
The wires form wires.co.uk are ok, I mixed up the wicks...

I had different wicks, one of which proved to be pretty good, unfortunately I mixed them up and wasn't able to distinguish them; now the wick I ordered has arrived, and the setup with this new wick is just perfect. I then took the old ones and looked at them carefullly under a strong light - indeed possible to spot a difference in appereance between the different types, but difficult -----> trash.
Second Penny rebuilt with new wires and new wick and the result is pure pleasure again.
Problem solved.
I want to thank again all the guys who gave me suggestions, much appreciated, and particularly bishopheals, who even offered to help me on skype - exquisit kindness.