3 sets in 18 months, that cant be good 
plugs that is.
the first set were really bad went i got the car, probably just old. plus two spark plug holes were leaking (!) so i thought "new plugs and washers"
second set i fitted myself, no problem (im not retarded).
then the car started pinking, was probably doing it before but summer was setting in, perhaps it was just worse with the higher ambient temperature?
third set were fitted whilst the engine was being tuned, 3 electrode thingies. garage commented on the state of the second set, as timing was out and it was underfuelling.
fourth set fitted during a service a month ago and the guy said that the triple electrode plugs couldnt be cleaned adequately, so another new set...

two spark plug holes still leak very slightly.