The Listener 4759 - Uniform Uniform- By Istenem

[Matakari]

Good morning, I’m having a go at the Listener for this week
and am encountering some difficulties for which I would
appreciate help. Thanks in advance!

( Answers clash in one cell, which must be filled with the sum of the two letters’ alphabetic positions (A = 1 etc). Six clues need an extra word removed to enable solving; the words in clue order (10, 5, 8, 6, 7, 6) with the clash number describe two inspirational figures. The initials of these clues’ answers cryptically suggest an achievement. Solvers must highlight 28 cells representing both figures. The Chambers Dictionary (2016) is the primary reference.)

ACROSS:
2 Fairly extensive pioneering, somehow losing height (7) : ?L?????
15 Midsize clairvoyant agency is standard (6) : ?N????
17 Substance skins could hold for a bomber (9) : ??T?????A
23 Look right away from scout (4) : ???E
34 Very much ordinary basset was like this (4) : ???O
43 Lassie wanders eastward from Highlands ( 6 ) : ?E??I?

[klazomaniac]

2 looks like 'longisg' with pioneering as extra word.
losing + H [anag]

[klazomaniac]

*longish'

[JJ109]

23 (R) ecce

[klazomaniac]

34 Faro (card game similar to Basset)

[JJ109]

15 I keep thinking this has to be"medium"
Midsize = medium
Clairvoyant = medium
Agency = medium
Standard = medium
???

[klazomaniac]

I was toying with 'Ensign' but couldn't make it work. From the preamble, it states: A word to be removed.
Maybe this is a standard clue (no pun intended)
I can obviously see your quadruple definition. Not sure how the Listener works as I have never tried it.

[TheWinner]

43. Eassil ??? anagram of lassie
https://www.thefreedictionary.com/eassil

[klazomaniac]

That looks very good The Winner.

[ProfessorMaisie]

It's just a cryptic def for 17 - MARIJUANNA.

[ProfessorMaisie]

sorry, one too many Ns there - MARIJUANA

[klazomaniac]

I thought 'MARIJUANNA' looked a bit potty (I'll get my coat) !

[ProfessorMaisie]

(stick around, klazo - I think you'll be needed}.

[brainiac]

I thought giving answers for The Listener on AB was 'not done' ?

[klazomaniac]

This is the Answerbank (A site where questions are answered)
Everyone has the choice to scroll past the heading (That is clearly stated by Matakari.

[ProfessorMaisie]

It's 'not done' on AB's weekly Listener thread and I would rather see hints asked for on Matakari's thread - but that's for Matakari to decide.

[brainiac]

The poster seems to tackle crosswords that they need a huge a mount of help with

[ProfessorMaisie]

I won't help with the endgame (beyond the merest hint) and giving answers for a few clues still leaves a lot to be done.

[Matakari]

Thanks, Klazo and ProfessorMaisie, hints for the following would be appreciated after which I will be pursuing the end game!

DOWN
1Glazed, Chinese-style, following the French decoration (6) : ???M?E
14 As retired one, mislead junior court (8) : C?N?????
20 Carbon and primarily iron in loads with gas makes steel (9): ?C??R?TEA
28 Scot known for gossiping with champ about rare blood type (7) : ??BN?SH

ACROSS:
27 Pitch bending singer unexpectedly secures victory (9) : ?N?W???ER
42 Dolphin, returning, proceeds to harbour this year (6) : S???OG

[Neveracrossword]

Matakari, did you finish off the previous Listener? I know you were planning to return to it....

[klazomaniac]

1 Ce La Don ???