Hi All,(posted 8480 days ago)Update (Problem solved)
I've just processed another pair of infrared negs of the same scene, this time without any problem.
The only two things I did were agitation and film holder. Agitation -- just took a bit more care this time, though I don't think I was being particularly sloppy the last time. I used an almost new Fidelity holder (used twice previously by myself), with plastic frame and plastic slide. I am of the opinion that it was indeed the pressure plate on my first holder that caused the problem, as I can just about make out imperfections when held obliquely to the light.
Thanks for the suggestions, all!