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Quisling, Thanks.

No sooner had I sent the message & popped out of the room than the probable answer came to me!

Still, I had no idea that "autocomplete" was a thing, so I'm grateful for the re-assurance.

Only 4 small ones tucked into the corners to go.

No problem, bear of lb. It comes up on smartphones, for example, to fill in data on forms like addresses that have been entered before.

TED is 41 years old and is one of the the largest and well known conference organisers in the world.

As someone who struggles with constant references to singing and opera (repetiteur and altissimo this week, Rigoletto most others) I think this is fair and a welcome hint of modernity.

I remember whining about an obscure latin phrase in one of these things and being told that learning is part of the crossword experience. Perhaps it is.

I don’t think it’s unreasonable that a word (or acronym) should have made it into dictionaries. If it has, perhaps you could tell me which ones

In the context of crosswords that involve so many "insider" shortcuts and acronyms this makes absolutely no sense to me. We disagree so I'll just leave it there.

Fair enough. It would be a dull world if everyone agreed on everything. To clarify my position, I have no problem with modern usages as long as they are supported by a reference authority. So “wag”, “twigloo”, “MILF”, “cougar”, “sext”, “selfie” and “doosra” are fine by me (all in Chambers).

Mind, I don’t like the recent relaxation to allow living people as answers. (Keely) Hodgkinson, (Unai) Emery? I know of them, but many don’t. In its desire to appeal to a younger demographic, I fear the Times is alienating its core solvers. I know people moan about the number of cricket references, and appearances of Kean and Tree as actors, but we all grew up with them. So you can see I am officially a dinosaur 🦕 🤓

Well since you are being so reasonable let me give a 50 something perspective.

ET is a very old film . R for run is not in chambers online. Re for royal engineers ditto. The TA no longer exists.

While we are at it, opera is an elite interest. Latin and Greek history or language was not taught at school. The Beatles were getting started 65 years ago. Creme de menthe has not been drunk in my presence ever.

I could go on but my point is that times move along.

You are quite right, of course. I can’t remember who said “I am against all change, even change for the better”, but they might have been talking about me. I’m sure you’re on the right side of history on this one.

(BTW R for Run(s) is in the Chambers iPhone app, with a capital, as is RE for Royal Engineers, but you’re spot on about the TA)

Can't parse 24d

Was trumpeter paid to play clubs ultimately well trained? (10)
?R?C?A?M?D so could be 'proclaimed'.

Yes, it's PROCLAIMED ( = was trumpeter).

PRO (short for PROFESSIONAL) = paid to play
C = clubs (as in cards)
L = ultimately well (last letter of WELL)
AIMED = trained (as it training a gun on a target)

Hope this helps.