Ev 1096 Demand

[Christiana]

Is there anyone else out there? Have I missed the usual thread? I have a complete grid, though not entirely happy about 8d, as I can't get the connection with 'snitch on'.
I've also met the group's 'demand' but find that my final across amended letter is not symmetrical with its counterpart, though it is in the appropriate 'symmetrically placed answer'. Am I being too fussy about this?

[EV_Solver]

I'm not sure where everybody is, but this one brought back some very amusing memories.

On the basis that the preamble referred to symmetrically placed answers and not symmetrically placed cells, I would say that you are being too fussy! I'm not sure that I could think of ten thematic items and get them to be placed symmetrically in a grid, let alone have them all be one letter different than other real words, and have the changing letters symmetrically placed! There's surely not enough items in the thematic group to achieve that.

Many thanks to Samuel for an amusing and well-constructed challenge.

[jim360]

I've completed all apart from the final stage. Not really sure what to do. Never mind, some amusing clues, and I dare say another look will reveal better how to finish this off.

[voulezvous]

8d) is snitch (rat) on (re)..........
Still working on this, but know exactly what needs doing!
I think I need an extra "w" at 31a, but just can't parse it.

[Christiana]

Hello EV Solver - quite agree, an amusing and well constructed challenge. I was only concerned about the symmetry because Samuel has done so well on the rest of them in this respect. Voulezvous, you do need a 'w', as you have deduced, but not at 31 which is a normal clue.
Jim, in case you haven't yet worked out the final stage, think individual items rather than what might be termed a collective noun.

[jim360]

Oh, I see now. Thanks. Might finish the wordsearch to complete later.