I know of one Brit who was refused an exit visa for his Chinese wife due to their claim that he did not have reasonable means to support her.

Interesting points, I know a younger Brit guy who took his equally young wife back to Manchester...and he wasn't that well off!

Surely the wife would not even get an entry visa...can't see why they would refuse her an exit visa, if they refuse you, and want to deport you?!