I think pumps are becoming more common, and we’ve certainly a long way to go compared to other places, but research by John Pickup reckoned that about 20-25% of people would benefit from a pump, not everyone. I’d guess because, in the words of my own pump, http://www.shootuporputup.co.uk/2010/10/from-one-pump-to-another/ they’re a clever bit of kit but they’re only as good as the idiot they’re attached to.
Re targets – Diabetes UK recommedations in old money are below 6.5%, or below 7.5% for those at severe risk of hypos (whatever that means). http://www.diabetes.org.uk/HbA1c I aim for as low as I can get, without having hypo issues.