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Thank you all. I think I'm now leaning towards the 32 option. Mind you, I think I'd also be pretty peeved if I went for 30 and got it marked wrong. As others have said, we shall see in due course.

On bit of a separate topic, although I'm unsure where to put it, is there any way of editing or even just deleting our comments on here? I was a bit worried after posting (and still am!) that I may have inadvertently given away too much information in my previous comment, but I can't apparently do anything about it!

Polyn, we can't edit or delete our posts- but you could always use the 'Report' button and ask there for the post to be removed, stating why. Norah, Admin, isn't aroubd 24/7, but she does keep an eye on things. She's not a crossword person, so wouldn't know if you'd given away too much, but might take your word for that!

Thanks malone. Having re-read the crossword preamble, I am less worried now anyway!

Thanks, Polyn. I'm glad your worries were needless, and at least you now know that there is a way to banish an overly revealing post if that's what's needed!

All finished here (finally) but there’s three clues
- 16a “refractive science IP…”
- 21d “maybe this times writer’s…”
- 23d “ Asian herbaceous plants…”
where I have the def, the wordplay, the entry - but not the answer! I had the same problem with 20, but googling the definition + “crossword clue” turned up the solution. If anyone can think of a way to point me in the right direction, I’d be grateful.

louweed, it’s interesting how this crossword’s construction can lead to this isn’t it!

16a — do you wear glasses? If so, your prescription tells you the strength of lenses you need in units that will point you in the right direction.

21d — bit obscure, this, but the letters anagram into a word that can mean a device used for timing. Ignore the capital in the clue.

23d — super obscure, this. If you number the letters from the wordplay you want 512643.

Finally got there, nice puzzle if one or two of the clues were a bit loose for my liking.

Only loose end is parsing wordplay for 27d

Thanks

27d Initial letters (“peaks”) of the first 4 words.

Aah, cheers. My favourite, an &lit clue that doesn't really work (peak meaning top, best or projection, not front).