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...and isn't two steps from "syrup" a bit unfair?

The 2 is the first and last two letters. I can’t see any unfairness, but I am on the libertarian side when it comes to cryptics!

Thanks rogissimo.
I thought it must be, but I suppose it's an inedible version of 2?
My parsing goes from "syrup">x>y, when it's y that must be included.
I'm still stuck in the NW. Hints on 1 or 3, (or 12) please?

Yes, an inedible 2, chrise.
Re ‘syrup’ - it is a diminution, but one that is so common that it amounts to a synonym in itself in my book. There are other examples but I’m struggling to think of one at the moment.
1 features a homophone (think theatricals) and the solution is what Brits are, rightly or wrongly, known for being good at.
In 3, ‘2s’ is a verb. Cryptic fodder is (1,2) inserted in (3).
12 parses as (5,4) where the 5 is an anagram and the 4 a definition.
Hope the hints help, and glad you’re persisting!

Thanks rogissimo
Good hint for 1. I'll have another look at the others.

Thanks chrise. Happy to give further nudges if needed!
Re ‘syrup,’ ‘butcher’s’ would be another example.

"Butcher's" isn't quite the same as it goes butcher's>hook>look, thus finishing at the actual word.
This one goes syrup>actual word>another slang word.

Another hint please - does 16d start S? I can't find anything else that makes any sense, but I then can't find anything for 15 that makes sense!

Hi Chris,
Yes, re 16. 15 parses 1,5,2 and a little lifting and separating is required. Arguably there’s a two stage process here as well…

… apologies that should have read 1,5,1.

Thanks jono. 15 is actually very good!