Oh, and I really enjoyed the crossword too

I agree that it is perfectly valid to criticise an entire puzzle, and thereby the compiler. Thankfully this is not always possible.

I like quibbling and provoking argument. It’s fun, even when I get it wrong.
I don’t like your disparaging description of this. I can find neither squibble nor naggle in Chambers.

I agree that it is perfectly valid to criticise an entire puzzle, and thereby the compiler. Thankfully this is not always possible.

I like quibbling and provoking argument, even when I have to admit defeat.

I dont’t like your disparaging description of this. I can find neither squibble nor naggle in Chambers.

There is no ‘might’ about it, rho.
It is much more valid to criticise a whole puzzle rather than all this sqibble/squabble and niggle/naggle about one word in one clue.
Just because it does not agree with the poster’s ‘superior’ knowledge on the issue then very severe language, often directed at the compiler is fine.
However daring to suggest that it is a duff production brings down the wrath of the resident gods upon one’s head.
Just think how sad was Johnmcc’s comment very late the other night.
Almost samizdat.

a) Surely you’re not accusing Orlando of poor technique, are you?

b) As I said, some would argue that a puzzle should be difficult, especially a Cryptic one. They might even argue that difficulty IS the sake of a Cryptic.

The Xword started out quite easily for me, but slowed down thereafter; I suspected such as PIROGUE and PINETUM were correct, but didn’t have the confidence to be sure, and I had no access to sources at the time.

No one else seems to have commented on the ports/socket thing. I think Chambers are probably conflating several technical meanings of these terms, and once again have not got it quite right (we had discussions a few years ago about their definitions of some mathematical terms such as “differential” I think it was).

Lucky you, to have spent time in my spiritual home!

“However, I think you can use both without adverbs such as ‘out’ or ‘off’ e.g. ‘I must just pop/nip to the chemists before they close’.”

I think that’s what I meant all those hours ago!

“Orlando is fast becoming one of my favourites setters.” He’s always been one of mine, even before one of his puzzles being, as I’ve often mentioned before, my first experience of blogging – and I couldn’t have wished for a better introduction.

I only got to this late in the day after driving home in the rain after a sunny few days in Nidderdale with old friends.

More difficult than some previous Orlandos but well worth the effort. Very good surfaces and some clever anagrams. I ticked 1a, 19a, 21a, 16d and 20d but many others also pleased.

Re ‘nip’ and ‘pop’, I did not fully understand this when solving. However, I think you can use both without adverbs such as ‘out’ or ‘off’ e.g. ‘I must just pop/nip to the chemists before they close’.

Orlando is fast becoming one of my favourites setters.