fwiw I went with the E, but attached a note pointing out that I thought there were two possible and equally satisfactory options. I hope they’ll accept either, as I can’t see any reason to favour one.
Otherwise delightful puzzle this week, interesting mechanic, a few slightly edgy clues but also a few very clever ones. I did find the unmarked &lits a bit awkward. Of all the recent puzzles, this one has involved the most rubbing out (not rubric-required blanking as some recent puzzles have had us doing, but because I’d gone wrong!). I agree with lvb@13 — the rubric says “a word in the definition”, but 39a and especially 13a would like to suggest otherwise! But mainly a very enjoyable solve throughout. Thanks Mozart.
I have one loose end, which is 8d “Approached evidently poor Arab”. I have a grid entry I’m happy with but cannot unpack the clue at all somehow. If anyone can give me a nudge for my satisfaction it would be much appreciated.