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I really thank you guys for your support below. The problem is rather more serious than I realised. Its surprising how you don't notice thinning so much when you have short hair as when it gets longer.
Anyway what I am wondering is this. Are the causes and treatments for older guys like me the same as for younger guys. Thing is I looked at lots of sites this weekend and quite a few make the point that things aren't the same for older guys. Should I use rogaine - for general thinning on top. Its not any worse at the crown than all over the top - just thinner than it was. Maybe this has been going on a long time and I just didn't realise. I am also using saw palmetto already for other reason you use it !
I would say the best thing is to have a doctor, preferably a dermatologist, assess your situation. He can then determine if you should have treatment. It is entirely possible the thinning is simply due to growing older. (it is normal for hair to be thinner as we age) Normal MPB patterns typically start by having recession at the temples and in the crown area. (You didn't indicate if there is any recession in the temples) Since you indicate the crown area is no worse than the rest of your hair, it is possible the thinning is not MPB at all, but simply due to your growing older. In fact, I thought your hair in your earlier pictures still looked good.
Rogaine can help to thicken up the area on top, but it does not get to the root of the problem if indeed, there is, MPB present. Any hair gained by using rogaine is lost if the rogaine use is stopped. Any treatment to get at the root of the problem requires that the action of the enzyme which converts testosterone to DHT is stopped. It is DHT that attacks the hair follicles and causes MPB. Both propecia, which is approved for use, and Avodart, which is still undergoing testing, have been demonstrated to block the enzyme, and both require a prescription. That is why it is best to see a specialist, he can determine if you require treatment, and secondly, give you a prescription.
All the best, keep us updated on how everything goes,
David