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Got a full grid fairly quickly then spent ages trying to figure out the final operation. I have a method that seems to follow the instructions but the problem is that quite a lot of the grid is effectively discarded--this to me seems to contradict the premise of the preamble that you could treat the "original" grid in such a way that you end up with the "modified" grid (i.e., the one we as solvers started with), because where would those extra letters come from? I'm not sure I'm thinking about this the right way, any nudges welcome!

Wonderful puzzle with some nicely tricky clues. I think I have the answer for 13A but cannot find it in any dictionaries? I’ve tried searching for it with a hyphen inserted but also no luck. My answer is 80% vowel. Am I barking up the wrong tree? Thanks!

Cmjhutton, the word , - with a hyphen - is in my Chambers (13th ed).

Cmjhutton - you are on the right track but only if your vowels have an uncanny resemblance to each other. In which case you will find it, as Malone has indicated.

Thanks both! I need to fork out for a copy of Chambers one of these days

I have a full grid, the instructions and I understand the theme and can see three components for the final part of the end game. But I still have not had the PDM as to how to obtemper the instructions. I fear I am being a bear of little brain on this one and will have to await enlightenment when the solution is published. C’est la vie, enfin.

I also feel like a bear with a very little brain! Grid completed except for 37A. I cannot find a word that fits with my letters! Can anyone put me out of my misery?

It's not in the dictionary

Jack, look for a reasonably substantial example of the last two words of the instruction.

Got it!