I think that in recent years, in my job in particular, I have noticed all the different accent types slowing merging into one version. In the RAF we are supposed to use the Queen's English to communicate, especially to record technical jobs but the way we say certain words is now virtually identical. I know a young man who comes from Somerset with a thick accent from the same region, in less than a year he speaks with no trace of an accent. This is due to the ground crews using throat mikes and we need to understand each other during aircraft movements, etc.
We use 'proper' English in our records because they are legal documents when they are completed, so when it comes to writing on forums I tend to write 'properly' instead of using modern variations. We only use technical abbreviations at work or TLAs (Three Letter Abbreviations) due to the amount of space to record the information.
I have to thank the RAF for the way I speak and write properly, unless I tell a newcomer where I'm from they can't even guess that I'm from Kettering! 
Nick
This reminds me of the young man who presented himself at the OASC at Biggin Hill for interview. He was first asked "Please say the word 'air'" - this he duly did. "Now say the word 'hair'" - again, done. "And finally the word "'lair'" - done.
"Now to complete the interview I'd like you to say all three words together, one after the other, please:"
"Air-hair
-lair!"
"And hair-lair to
you, old man! Welcome to the Officer's Club!"
I nearly was that soldier...
DM
