http://www.ukpuzzle.com/crypticxwordguide.htm

re the example:

There’s no real presence in parental desire (4)

Actually the original issue is discussed further up the same page, starting with “Setters and editors are split over what is and is not acceptable when it comes to a slightly different procedure – the subtraction anagram.”

Well chosen words I think. What I was on about the other day was not wanting to debate what the “rules” should or shouldn’t be but just welcoming the appearance of this device at all – it gets talked about quite a bit but doesn’t appear all that often – although I’ve seen Dante/Rufus use it exactly as here at least once before.

OTOH I don’t agree (same page) that “[editorial] preferences should be consistent within your chosen publication – if they are not, you have every right to complain!”. One of the great strengths of the Guardian, in particular, is that it has traditionally been a broad church and many different cluing styles are on offer.

When I said “dash should be deleted in the given order d,a,s,h”, I meant that the letters d,a,s,h should be part of the original fodder in that order.
Your interpretation of my words is a way to look at these, but not what I meant to say.
And if you’re happy with it, fine.
Many setters are too – some are not, though.

Perhaps one should take a look at 10ac in today’s Monk (FT):
“French school voluntarily pruning plant ruined by Vichy water (3,7)”
That’s how it should be done, in my opinion. Monk’s spot on.

“‘dash’ should be deleted in the given order d,a,s,h”

DISENCHANTED
remove D
ISENCHANTED
remove A
ISENCHNTED
remove S
etc

Since this method always works I personally find a second anagrind to be redundant but I can live with it, especially if it helps the surface.

I don’t like too many DDs so I don’t often do Dante/Rufus, but this best of his wordplay clues would make a fine puzzle.

But I rather like this clue. There could be a reading where “upset” jumbles “dash” and “lewd” is the main anagrind, doubling as the def – but maybe then you’d have him up on another charge.

Have to say I did not try this puzzle, but it seems a good one, and I enjoyed your blog very much.

Best, Rowly.