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FWIW, I enjoyed this puzzle and didn’t think it too straightforward. I chanced upon what was needed for the endgame by spotting a couple of things in the grid which seemed related to the title. I had no idea of the hint from the across clues until reading post #24 - thanks Jordan!

I enjoyed this even though a little on the easy side. Would have done it even more quickly if I has started with the down clues.
I had hoped for something a little trickier for the bank holiday - especially after the recent run of easier ones - but the timing of publication is relevant. Today is the day!

Anyone who has expressed annoyance about the relative gentleness of this week’s Listener should definitely give today’s EV (another by Chalicea).

For some reason “a miss” dropped off my last post!

Too late, Jack, too late...

Well said aspria. These supposedly easy puzzles are great for new solvers to get interested in the Listener.

Yes, indeed, thanks to Aspria for the support. Those of us who set the easier puzzles know that there will be some clever solvers keen to announce that they completed the puzzle as the froth on their coffee settled but we also know that our puzzles will encourage newer solvers and get record numbers of entries (which is welcomed by the Listener - last week's delightful 'easy' puzzle by Dolos was, of course, compiled by one of the editors). A comical fact that has us smiling is also that the statistics demonstrate that our 'too easy' puzzles often rake in a record number of solver errors, even including some by 'all correct' solvers.

Ruthrobin - an interesting inisght from the "other side". I agree, there does need to be a range of difficulty level, with some easier ones to attract newer solvers. Has there been any thought to given a difficulty rating in the paper, similar to the magpie - to help signpost ones that perhaps novices should be wary of, and likewise experienced solvers should perhaps not be surprised if they finish it quickly?

While I'm happy that there should be a range of difficulty levels, I also think I am entitled to feel disappointment if a puzzle, any puzzle, is underwhelming in any way, shape or form. I can cope - I do cope - with this disappointment as I know that other solvers will have had the totally opposite experience and might have found that puzzle delightful. I have always found most Forum members to be fair-minded - I trust the opinions of both sets of people, the disappointed and the thrilled. The viewpoint of each is worthy of respect, surely?

Andyp, I beleive the suggestion has been discussed and rejected. Even in the Magpie it is currently being spoken of with some doubt about its success. There are some of us who would simply not look at an E and others who claim that the regular grading makes errors, though, in general they seem to get it roughly right. Serpent has explained the criteria used in this month's magazine.