its easier if i can just show someone though, i figured because he lives in Surrey we could arrange a bit of time to tie some flies. I chironomid fish alot and can make them look pretty slick (i dont bother with the peacock though) but im no expert, who really can say they are though
ok here are a couple off the top of my head
1st tip right away would be to size your rib to the size of fly. the size of wire here looks like either medium or BR (brassie) size
2nd is to coat the flies with something like Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails, brushable Loctite or brushable Superglue. with wire you want the clear finish to be thick enough until you see the ribbing is smooth with it, this could take several coats sometimes with wire ribs which is why i use things like Flashabou, Frostbite or other materials that will lay flatter than wire however by using thinner wire it will take less coats.
3rd and probably most important is to have the body slightly taper from skinny at the butt (bend of the hook) to the bead because this is the natural shape of the insect.
tight lines