I haven't ever heard anybody use 'raft of' except in UK media, and it also evokes the same images for me :-)

Is 'proven' not a really acceptable participle?

What is the past tense of 'to dive'? I say 'dove', but many people here say 'dived', as if it's not a strong verb.

I know exactly what stepping up to the plate means, btw, but am not sure why it is used so often as a metaphor.