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Agreed. I enjoyed this. Took me a few goes because I made some mistakes.

I have to admit that I am completely baffled by this. I assume that quite a few cells have more than 1 digit, and if so, that means I will have to concede defeat.

No .... only one digit per cell...

I'm baffled too, as I try to get my poor old enumerate head round this to try to find the way in...one disambiguation might conceivably help - although I fear that the answer is obvious:
According to the preamble, the clues are not numbered in any particular order relating to grid position - but does 1 across start in the same cell as 1 down, and so on, up to 7a and 7d - as in a normal numbered crossword grid? If not, what's the point of numbering the clues at all?

(But looking at 1a/1d and 2a/2d, the only answers that are two cells long, I think I know the answer to my first question already...)

6a in top left corner

Quixote. A good way in to numericals is often the clues with power functions as they have a relatively small number of answers that can fit the grid length. Start on 7 a and then consider which answer could fit the grid and not exclude numbers from being part of contiguous 5 cell groups.

My way in - and it might be the only way in? - was 7A. Once you have that you will see, because of the 'contiguity' rule, that it can only go in one of the two central 4-letter entry locations.
After that, look at 3D, 4D and 5D- these give you a limited choice of solutions for G,K and L

'4-number/digit' entry locations, I meant to say!

Smithsax, Muraria - thanks for the tips about 7a - I thoiught that might be the most, perhaps only, reliable entry key.
Will have a worry at it.

But I think what you're all implying - though nothing explicit has been said - is that the answer to my evidently rhetorical question is "No" - 1 down does not begin on the same cell as 1 across - and neither do 2a/2d, 3a/3d...7a/7d - unless by coincidence.

So what is the point of numbering the clues at all - except to add a layer of confusion?

Or am I being obtuse?

...'innumerate', of course. (post#14)

(Oh, the shame...)