Split Infinitive 02 Fowler and Fowler's opinion

I had never really been aware that Split Infinitive was regarded as grammatically incorrect. If the verb is a 'to'-infinitive, adjectives and adjuncts are put after it, and to insert it between the particle and the verb is considered by some English speakers as incorrect.

eg.  Vauxhall are attempting to really break into the market.

I seldom split infinitives, but as a non-native English speaker, I find it sometimes difficult to correctly put the modifiers in the appropriate place to convey the accurate meaning. I guess I am one of the 'guileless casual splitters' who irritate the grammar Nazis.

I have at home the third edition of "The King's English" (1931) written by Fowler and Fowler. It is a book about the English grammar, the dos and don'ts, but the substantial part of the book talks about the don'ts, citing actual phrases from newspapers and presenting how appalling the grammar of the contemporary journalists are.

Well, I found a section 'Split Infinitive'.

This grammar topic was more serious than I had imagined. It seems that the old school authorities in the early 20th century condemned the Split Infinitive. Here's what Fowler and Fowler say about 'Split Infinitives'

The 'split' infinitives has taken such hold upon the conscience of journalists that, instead of warning the novice against the curious superstition that the splitting or not splitting makes the difference between a good and a bad writer. The split infinitive is an ugly thing, as will be seen from our examples below; but it is one among several hundred ugly things, and the novice should not allow it to occupy his mind exclusively.  (The King's English)

Split infinitive is 'ugly'.

Here are the examples that are given in the book.

The time has come to once again voice the general discontent.  (Times)
It should be authorized to immediately put in hand such work.  (Times)
We were not as yet strong enough in numbers to seriously influence the poll.  (Times)

Are they that ugly?
I feel they are acceptable in today's English.

to be continued