Motown MD

To the editors: Since when does a NYT CWP involving 5 rebuses have 4 with “hole” but one with “mole.” All previous rebus puzzles have had a consistent pattern. Granted “holeskin” makes no sense and is not correct, but how is it acceptable in this rebus puzzle to deviate and require “mole.” And this cruciverbalist, who is a doctor, did not know the term moleskin. Yes, CWPs should be challenging and it is a Wild West out there but …

Mage? C’mon!! Am I alone in dismay? And the answer echidnas doesn’t make determining dismay as the answer any easier!

Help. For 20 across, what is the connection of the phrase “aptly” and the answer “MRT?”

Don’t see any comments about “noodles.” As a noun, yes: brain, head, etc. As a verb, no! Anyone ever use or hear the phrase “noodles on?” Not in my experience.

After how many hours does one lose the chance of a gold puzzle outcome?