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rendan

Yes lets hope so. It is rather like your theory of the names in the "If" puzzle a couple of months ago. You had to be right, yet the setter claimed no credit for it.

Well spotted Jigjag. Wonderful if you are right. Are you going to enter with 9 highlighted? It must surely be allowed.

LOL! igjag:-)

I swear I was going to reference my "If" puzzle "episode" in my reply but wondered 'if' anyone would even remember.

You're a true optimist Jigjag, like myself:-)

Brendan

I remember your theory well. It got me looking for extras in subsequent ones e.g. the spare IT in the Crooked House puzzle. I tried (and succeeded I think) to incorporate it but the setter said they were just redundant letters.

Hi Grunger,

I admire your dedication:)

I still look for these "extras" despite my past failures. In addition to my "If" theories, do you remember the "Two's Company" puzzle by Pink? I modified the grid to read "Sea Fish Ration" when it should have read "Selfish Nation" - boy, was my face 🥵

Brendan

I dont remember that one but your answer seems reasonable. I have had a nasty experience with seafood so I try to avoid it now, but I sometimes have cod and chips, or fish pie.

Brendan, Jigjag: I certainly remember (unsurprisingly!). You might like to glance at the comments thread for the puzzle on 15/2, where I responded to the interesting speculation.

As to this puzzle, I thought it exploited the length coincidences very cleverly; and I always admire a setter who's prepared to take on the challenge of a restrictive clueing gimmick.

Ifor

Thanks for your comments here and on 15*2. I know the poem well as it was my father's "party piece" and I supported Brendan's theory about the names relating to themes in it e.g. Henry and Tudor had to be "kings". But as you say, it was just a coincidence.

I was pleased with myself when I managed to solve your puzzle. I agree it was one of your easier ones, but I had never completed one of yours before.

Thank you for the feedback, Jigjag. I hope that at least you enjoyed tackling the others. You obviously took inspiration from that other IF; If at first you don't succeed...

Hi Ifor,

Thanks very much for your comments (and making me look like a complete idiot!) - I jest of course 😉

Kipling's "triumph and disaster" line pretty much sums up my solving career to date 🤪

I'm sure I speak for many when I say how appreciated it is when a setter takes the time to read and reply to the solvers comments.

Keep 'em coming:-)