Kevin, I have spoken to 3 different service dept managers now and each have experienced varying numbers of the cam shaft casualty but unfortunately cannot confirm the mileage of each vehicle. Mine had only 45000 on the clock. They each advised that the customer stands a better chance at challenging Mazda than they do.
I have emailed the Managing Director of Mazda UK and have been in communications with 2 Customer Relations Managers. There does not appear to be any consistency with which Mazda apportion their 'good will' gestures with regards to these experiences. I quote from one reply "I appreciate the vehicle has been serviced to manufacturer’s requirements, and it is for this reason we have offered to pay 80% towards the cost of the repair". When I asked what the consumer could have done for Mazda to pay 100% of the costs the reply included "There are only a small number of vehicles in the range which have been affected by camshaft failure and I am sorry you have had this experience".
I am now considering my options but in the meantime I have sent my info to Watchdog' to see if they have received any others with this concern.