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Finding this almost impenetrable. Got three answers but can't see what's going on, so dubious about even those. My effort/reward ratio approaching the point of surrendering the venture. Anyone else on the point of despair? Anyone who can actually understand the instructions?

I'm in a similar position.

In case you want exchange answers, I've got 17, 24, 39 and 42 across, and 6 down.

I have 17 also. I can offer23 and 36 down: omit Aden and slim respectively to reveal straightforward clues (well, I could do them - if not obvious to you I could supply my answers)

Durban, it's worth persevering with the cold-solving of across clues. The moved letters in clue order spell a couple of names with operatic connection, one of them going up, the other going down. Even if you haven't solved the clue, you might be able to make a good guess in quite a few cases as to the moving letter - if your guesses are good, this should help identify the names. The thematic words fall into one of (I think) 3 different groups of synonyms.

Durban,

24ac move the 'W' and the 2nd word is the definition.

39ac first 2 words are the definition.

42ac last 5 words definition, having moved a letter from the last word.

6d is a chess term.

11 down is an Italian greeting.

38 down is a Romany term.

I can guess at names connected to opera from the letters I have but it looks like there will be a gap in the middle if I am correct. Will all become clear if I press on with this line of thought? I seem to be getting nowhere fast with this puzzle.

Planks, the 5 moved letters between the names are ??WAS (I'm still working on 21 and 22). Get as many across answers into the grid as you can, then the down entries become a little easier.

Thanks Meursault. I have the same letters as you and the same gaps. I shall keep going.

A fair guess that they are initials. AS for the bottom name and WS for 22 and 21, which leaves a W in the middle...

I have an S for 21 - but/bust and good/goods.