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Quisling, the infamous HARE was monstrously unfair. I’m stuck with 15 and 19 and would welcome pointers.

Finally completed after many hours! I don't think it's 'borderline unfair' as the puzzle is solvable. However not exactly enjoyable, a bit of a slog.
I do indeed comment when puzzles seem too easy, and I am grateful for a much harder challenge from Artix. Thanks.

Jockie
15 - definition first 2 words. Usual 'soft' + 'fruits' missing their ends
19 - definition last word, wordplay 3+2+1

It's just not a crossword if you have to cold solve 75%+ without getting any help. Noone enjoys that sort of puzzle. Also breaks the guidance for setters you shouldn't have to cold solve more than 50% before making significant progress with the grid.

It's not easy, but doable.

As buddy said early on, several of the double clues offer a way in. And the 12-letter column entries are guessable, if you've solved the necessary clues.

Have to say that it's the first one I've thought of giving up on in quite a while. Agree with Smelly on the proportion of cold solving. Quite frustrated by the swathe of unclued entries. I think I have the singer and song and "when," but I'm getting further by just trying to fit the remnants in somewhere than from solving the clues, which feels too much like guessing. Recent tough puzzles have offered more engagement, perhaps?

I have solved more than half of the clues, but only made one tentative grid entry (5 down). I am on the point of throwing in the towel, unless the double clues can rescue me. However, I need the second part of 20 across, the second part of 2 down, the first part of 3 down, the first part of 4 down, the second part of 18 down, the second part of 21 down and the first part of 22 down. I know it is a lot to ask, but hints to some or all of these would be greatly appreciated.

0pt0 - some hints. Hope this isn't saying too much - but, as the puzzle is so difficult, I hope it's OK.
20a - Where would you find the first word? How might the third word be described?
3d - definition is last word. A proper name about 'E'
4d - definition is last word, take the top off a word meaning the rest of the clue...
18d - definition first word, wordplay 4 inside 4.
21d - the definition is the whole clue, wordplay letter by letter
22d - definition first word, 'sounds like' wordplay.

Quisling, I agree that this felt unfair but is actually just very tough. In my case, it wasn't that the preamble was misleading; rather, I misled myself in how I interpreted it.

I am another who will say when a puzzle is too easy. This one definitely helped to redress the balance!

Thanks, Artix.

Note that the first part of an answer always goes in the numbered entry, and double clues are always given in order. So it's straightforward to get the entry if it consists only of both parts of a double clue. But some entries are made of three parts. And 13a is not in Chambers.