My Mom taught me how to make scones and she always said the less you handle the dough, the better the scone. So mix until it all just comes together then gently press out to about an inch thick before cutting. Other tips: 1) dip your knife/cookie cutter into flour before cutting - your scones will then rise straight up and not be lop-sided (don't use MC, it compresses the dough). 2) when you brush the top with milk, make sure you don't let any dribble down the side or that side will be "glued" together and your scone will rise lop-sided. 3) Press your dough out into two eqaul sized portions then give one a light spray of oil and place the other on top before final press and cutting out - makes your scones easy to split once baked.
Maybe you could whip up us a batch for morning tea on the WA retreat Gretchen.