Cryptic crossword No 516

Gosh, Gradgrind. It's been ages - I think I've only done one of yours before. This was certainly worth waiting for. A very clever concept, very cleverly carried out. And it didn't adversely affect the solve; indeed, it was most helpful. Very well done indeed. Favourites include: 2d (believe it or not!), 3d, 4d, 13d, 15d, 22d, 26d. Spoilers in Reply

Good to see you here again Gradgrind, with a most impressive puzzle. I found this very difficult - don’t think I ever quite got on the same wavelength - but nothing really to quibble about (although I have sympathy with PM’s minor niggles). I’m happy to include across clues in my favourites list: 16A, 27A, 3D, 7D and 17D.

Well done Gradgrind on creating this wonderful puzzle which I really enjoyed. Lots of great clues - 24a was my personal highlight. If you wish you can hear/watch me solve this at twitch.tv/contocrosswords - if you do I hope it's fun/useful.

Well done, Gradgrind - to echo PostMark, a very clever concept, well executed. Favourites for me were 24a, 27a, 3d, 9d.

Have been remiss in keeping up with MyC for a week or two, but caught this on Conto's stream, and wanted to add my congratulations for a very enjoyable solve with an excellent gimmick that I thoroughly enjoyed. Far from useless! Well done.