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Hi mattrom
I have a book called "Chambers XWD - A Dictionary of Crossword Abbreviations".
I shows DE as an abbreviation for "department".
I had a quick search through the normal internet sites and could find no other reference to this abbreviation, but as the book was published by Chambers I assumed that it was kosher.
I am quite happy for you to ignore this clue in your judging if you think that it is "off colour" - I am fairly new to crossword compilation and have much to learn.

Dickens connection with play in production of "Snowboard (9)

That should read "Showboat'

Thanks, Pedagogue, I had checked my printed edition of Chambers and couldn't find it.

BBM2, re #42, I get that 'Dickens' is the devil, and the def. is 'showboat', but can't see the rest.

Hi mattrom,
I'm looking for your thoughts: this is in no way a challenge to your excellent advice.
There's a Guardian article (2016 in puzzles) that recommends the book that I mentioned - Chambers XWD - as a source of crossword abbreviations.
Does that mean this is a useful book as a single source, or do you think that it should always be used in conjunction with Chambers Dictionary?
Can't post links as I am newbie.

One taking risk with something that's scary? (9)

Hi Pedagogue,
I'm not an expert, so I honestly can't say. Perhaps you could ask Chambers if there are discrepancies between their publications?

Rash on damn ear - scratch! Scratch! (9)

I'll have another go, this time with correct spelling!

Perhaps Evel Knievel, in retrospect, lived era dangerously (9)