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100% agree with your take on it, Brendan

Very nicely done puzzle. Enjoyed it. Learnt a few things along the way.

First time with this crossword. Excellent puzzle and the discussion has been very helpful. I got the theme and the changes but the prompts about symmetry were handy - thank you

By Thurs am I had all clued entries in the grid, the 'hint to the theme' (and the ear-worm), the two words in 4d and 19d (though less sure of 19d). But I haven't the foggiest about how to get the 3 synonyms of 4d let alone those of 19d in the final 'leg' of this puzzle. Even after leaving it alone for 3 days. Sniff. Maybe I need to stare harder...

I could have almost written this myself, Pantheropad. After a struggle, I've got the spare letters, all squares filled, theme, the two unclued etc etc.

I might also have got two of the first sort of new entries, but now totally stuck, despite the well meant hints above.

Do the 10 substitute letters still mean that any crossing words are still words after the changes?

Any new hints would be gratefully received. I'm on the point of abandoning the whole project

None of the changes affect crossing words.

Many thanks, @Jono and @Mattrrom. Just seen your v. kind hints! (Been away from puzzles as plagued by predominant c*v*d-19. variant.) Need to think my way back into this hoping for a pdm. @Puzzledpom – glad I was not alone!

Last minute dash to finish. I have the theme words and the right and left changes but missing standard answers

20D Uncovered condition of horses, limping around softly on right side primarily (7) L?M???S

26A Attempt to turn in wife - despicable person (5) ????L

26D Moderately conservative people in general remaining tense (3) ??t

Thanks in advance

Hi Kiwisolver,

20d - 4 letter "limping" good around usual single letter "soft" with the finale 2 letters "right side primarily" - definition is "condition of horses"

26a - "Wife" + 4 letter "despicable person" - definition is "attempt to turn"

26d - "2 letter "people in general" + single letter "tense". - definition is " moderately conservative"

All your letters are correct.

Thanks. The 3 letter political term is not one that has reached NZ yet - but I read the Times!