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Rather too quick a gridfill and couldn't be bothered with the grid stare.
A reasonable starter for newbies
Thanks, Opsimath.

Yes - extremely quick completion - but as mentioned previously - the very occasional 'easier' does not go amiss - After 50+ years of the love of crosswords, I still remain in the camp of 'the more the merrier' rather than 'pull up the drawbridge' ... I'm aware everyone won't agree ... but to preserve the integrity of the puzzle 'very occasional' is key,,, (n.b. I also think that very rare GWIT puzzles are too biased towards the setter ... so we receive both extremes ) ...

I'm all for the occasional easier one, a balance of difficulty levels over the year surely an aim for the editor(s)

I do rather like how JH grades & balances his IQs on difficulty, and communicates these at the POTY stage. On that subject, try today's IQ for those seeking a tougher challenge. A lovely puzzle courtesy of Sauce.

Agree - Have moved on to IQ - somewhat more challenging ... I have found if I finish one of the two quickly - the other brings me down to earth!...

Back in my climbing days there was a similar debate about the attractions of more technical and challenging routes as against easier lines. Some of the classic routes on the Buchaille are useful examples: Agag’s Groove is “just” a VDiff but offers some wonderfully open positions along with opportunities for movement and wide views across Rannoch Moor, while many of thr more technically challenging lines opposite are in dark, weeping chimneys. I’ve done most of them but my happiest memories are of Agag’s Groove - which I have repeated many times and took many friends along. This puzzle feels very similar- and I’ve already suggested to several friends that it would make a great introduction to the Listener and similar puzzles.

Completed everything and the end game except for 9d, which I can’t make sense of or find a sensible use for the letters I have. Too soon for a hint?

Try searching without the plural.

That did it! I’ll have to remember to do that in future. Thanks!

Jono@27

Whenever I'm sure of an answer but it doesn't show up in Chambers, my very first thought is to try it again without an S - the number of times it then trns out to be correct is ridiculous.

Yes, good tip, Bren.