Personally I wouldn't agree with the perception that you have stated. When a case goes to trial it is the strength of your barrister that assists in winning a case -- not any actions of a solicitor.
I'm in a similar situation and frankly I do not believe my solicitor is dealing well in my case. I use one of the big firms who are unduly burdened down with massive litigation cases, and my case may be so tiny that they cannot be bothered.