Cathy,
A trick you could try to reduce the instance of gooseberry sawfly is as
follows.
In the autumn, remove all leaves detritus from under the bush, then
remove around 1/2 inch of soil from under the bush. The aim is to
allow the winter weather and birds to get at the soil and kill any over
wintering pests.
Come spring replace removed soil with a good covering of well rotted
garden compost and feed.
I found this out as it is a practice for raspberries

I have a Lancashire Lad as a cordon in a pot which suffered from
sawfly repeatedly until I tried this. It does not stop it, you still
have to be vigilant, but touching wood for the past 3 years I have had
no problems. Have had to rub some off Junifer redcurrant but otherwise
trouble free.

As for taste - somethinh live Leveller can be very green and tart yet
left to mid July will go golden yellow and soft - you can feel the
change in the fruit - some may even split.

The flavour changes as they ripen - I prefer a bit of tartness - just
to anounce it is a gooseberry. In my mind its like a Bramley not
having an edge or rhubarb being over sweetened - looses its flavour.
Each to their own as always

Clifford
Bawtry, Doncaster, South Yorkshire