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All done now, I found the gambling link quite confusing I have to say. A very clever puzzle nonetheless.

As posted earlier I'd spotted the 9 but well done finding the 4 - though I have to say I find it singularly unconvincing as a solution. Not the greatest Listener from Schadenfreude for sure.

The 9 4 phrase satisfies all the conditions of the puzzle, unless I'm missing something, but I agree it's a little underwhelming as a finish.

All the more so because I've spotted a different phrase that would satisfy all the conditions in a cleverer and more unexpected way, which is to say that it's the sort of thing I'd expect from Schadenfreude; but unfortunately it requires one more change than the instruction specified. So close and yet so far! After spending some time scrutinizing the preamble and the instruction for some crucial but previously overlooked detail that would make that phrase the right one, I think I'm resigning myself to the fact that I just spotted a mirage.

Grid staring and googling finished, as I have finally completed this puzzle. Not one of my favourites for the all too common grid stare took 4 times longer than filling the grid. At least TCD leaves no ambiguity about Y & Z, which removes any anxiety that you've missed something, or got something wrong. Thankyou all for some rather helpful nudges and encouragement.

I agree with you gitto, a few hours to complete the grid, then double that to follow the instruction. I thought, at first, that the last four words of the instruction were contradicted by the last four words of the preamble. But then, as the sun came up this morning, it suddenly dawned on me.
A very clever puzzle.

I am in the same place as XIJ before the sun came up. Except the sun hasn't come up for me ! I have XYZ etc. but cannot work out how to make the changes called for in the instruction. Are the five letters in the unclued entries ? I'd be most grateful for any help,hints and nudges!
Thank you.

Samovar, look down the fourth column - you should see one bit that can easily be changed to something relevant. That uses up three of the five letters. The other two get used in another relevant, but shorter, word.

Hi Samovar,

the contradiction between the end of the rubric and the end of the instruction regarding the zs is explained when you have made the substitutions. The contradiction arises if you treat the substitution as a new entry is the puzzle.

Thank you so much, Malone and Casanova. I will get back to work !

Gosh, Malone...staring me in the face !! I had to laugh.