I've been on the end of these phone lines a few time. 4 Seasons in the background intersperced by "your call is important to us etc." Red rag to a bull it clearly is not.
Some years ago I had to contact the Tax office, God knows how long I was on the phone listening to the above, but best part of an hour later my call was answered, after explaining my problem I was put on hold. After another very long wait the phone just went dead. So back to the begining, same long wait listening to the same old. I was stressed beyond belief. Did get answered eventually, and put in a complaint.
You won't believe the outcome, got a letter of apology AND a £10 cheque from the Tax office in compensation for my phone bill. My husband said I should frame it, well I have kept a copy.
As you say Digitalis, Any poor old pensioner on the pension phone line would give up, this has the desired affect.