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But I’ve solved it - and all the other down clues - from the crossers (with a bit of help from friends here for 3d, which isn’t defined within the clue as it stands). And I’ve figured out the thematic message. Just can’t see any way of applying it to the down clues to complete the parsing.

That’s my problem. I can’t see how to apply them. I don’t want to ask a question that would amount to or invite spoilers. So I remain in the dark.

There's a reddit post you can search for with all the answers and an explanation of the theme. I wont link it here, but just google for it.

Aha!

Well now I’m embarrassed. Thanks for your patience everyone.

Ah, don’t be embarrassed! There’s many a puzzle I’ve tackled where the penny remained undropped throughout 😆 Well done for the aha moment.

I first had a look at this on the day it was published. Got three across clues and ran out of time - pretty much an all time low for me!

Had time to have another crack this afternoon and got there in the end (minus a couple of parsing intricacies) - have to say that in retrospect this was an absolute belter. Odo has stated upthread that the misspelled name in the hidden message was a complete accident, but it was the key to the door for me. Bravo, and come again soon!

Hi mothman, Odo here. I know you can't please everyone, but I must say - that was a bit rude. Not just to me, but to solvers who enjoyed the puzzle.

Robt, on behalf of the Forum, I apologise for Mothman’s appalling language to yourself and solvers of your puzzle.

I will not tolerate this disrespect on our friendly Forum so I have banned him from the Forum.

As such, the post is no longer on the Forum for anyone wanting to read it😰

Thank you Norah. I did see the original post yesterday and was quite shocked by it.
Don’t be put off robt, we are usually a friendly and constructive bunch. Hope to see you again soon.