I've tried the alternative option and emailed customer services and nearly 2 weeks later still no response. In addition, my blog which is a valuable travel diary of sorts, is also now disabled and can not be accessed (even old posts). Presumably this is because it is linked to the Google email address.

Very frustrating. Perhaps the answer is to cut my losses and invest in a domain name and hosting site that won't do this without explanation seemingly at a whim and I guess associated with technical problems on their part (since I've done nothing which breaches their long list of no-no's!!).

Fortunately, I have more than one account with them. However, it definitely makes you think again about relying on the storage of any valuable information that you might require in the future.