Well, we had a tory in South Cambs last year (still do) and when I wrote to him about top-up fees he agreed with me it was awful and voted against it (I think). So at least my MP in government voted for what I wanted, rather than being a back bencher who just had to toe the party line because it was their policy.

That is true. Certainly I'd rather have an MP who's voting against <whatever> already and doesn't need telling than one who ignores me and votes in favour anyway :-)