WilliamB

Fun theme, but I really really HATE it when the biggest challenge to a puzzle is having to try out multiple ways of filling in the dang rebus to get the software to accept it. Does it want both numerals? Just the one you get by squaring? Numerals or spelled out? There's nothing fun about that, it's just irritating. Spoils the effect. Could you maybe code it to accept all of the above?

So MANY great things here, just the right level of challenging and then... HIERARCHAL Don't bother citing some word list or dictionary you found that in, it breaks the more significant rule of "This word is NEVER used outside xword puzzles and not even then." It's a clunker no matter how you look at it and spoils the solving experience. A cringe clue. Just don't.

Lots of great stuff today. But my hackles rose a bit at HEAD as "slang." I mean, I guess people use it in non-nautical contexts so ok. But nautical jargon exists for a specific reason and serves a specific practical purpose. "Port" and "starboard" aren't "slang" are they?

What's with the emoji clue at 54A??? Is that on purpose? Because I couldn't make out what it was. I already have a LOT of issues with the NYT xword proprietary interface being clunky and causing typos and slowing my solve times and the "preferences" selections not working etc. But PLEASE don't let emoji clues be a new habit. I will hate you for ever and cancel my subscription. Thanks.

Wait, what day is it? Wednesday? I'm just going to add to the pile-on here because if enough of us comment on how ridiculously easy the NYT puzzles have become maybe you'll realize some of us actually like being challenged a little. Thursday-Friday used to be a rigorous hill climb. Now I feel like I'm just going for a participation award. Not that the puzzle itself was bad, just not Friday caliber by a long shot.