Loads of common solvers Y-ne about easy single-letter addition or subtraction themes, however that is removed from easy. You in all probability observed that “Why? Why Not?” hints at some themers having a Y inserted for kooky outcomes, and a few utilizing a deletion.

Take a look at the positions of these crucial Ys, although. For instance, the Y in BELLY BOTTOMS has risen instantly up from the place the Y in COMBAT READ(Y) would have been! That additional stage helps to make this one rise (sorry) from the pack.

I want extra of the themers had made me giggle. COMBAT READ got here closest, what with the key change from READY to READ. Others did not exhibit almost sufficient transmogrification (CAMP and CAMPY having comparable meanings), or fell flat (SLUMBER PART is boring), or made little sense (BELLies have BOTTOMS?).

Having the Y rise precisely two squares makes issues troublesome to grid round. Not solely does that severely restrict the Y choices you need to use, however when you discover a pair you could grid round, you need to do it once more on the other facet to obey crossword symmetry.

I additionally puzzled, why rise two squares? The title would not get at that notion in any respect.

I appreciated the efforts to jazz up the clues. Who amongst us laptop customers hasn’t been infuriated by a [Server error]? Good misdirect away from a tennis FOOT FAULT.

Good to make use of the largely unconstrained higher left and decrease proper to inject additional spice. SRI RACHA is so applicable.

Though the solver in me wasn’t wowed, the technician thought the constant two-square Y rise was an attention-grabbing rule to stick to.

ADDED NOTE: This moron utterly biffed. I missed WISE UP TO, which is completely excellent rationale for transferring Ys up two squares! That makes my appreciation rise by an element of two!