In reply to Tricadam:
> our tactics for getting to lead the pitches we want to lead (and, probably almost as often, getting out of the ones we don't!)
[1] Make sure the stance before the pitch you want to lead, or don't want to lead, is really tiny e.g. one small foothold or hanging - then it's too hard to switch over. If you DID want to lead the following pitch, make sure your partner leads the one up to the stance - if you DIDN'T want to lead the following pitch, make sure YOU lead the one up to the stance. Works a treat. I've used both tactics, on some great climbs
[2] Choose a partner who cannot lead the pitch you want to lead
[3] Combine 2 pitches together, the 2nd being the one you most wanted to lead, as someone said above. I've done this too (my second was not happy)
And 2 comedy ones, I haven't done these but am tempted:
[4] Drop one of your boots off the belay if you don't want to lead
[5] Plead a sudden migraine if you don't want to lead
I've just realized I'm sneaky, oops, apologies to my partners