Spectator # 2573

[Matakari]

Good morning, I would like this to be the final crack at Cheesecracker.
I am stuck now on the following for which I would appreciate your help.
Thanks in advance!
28(A) Way to replace first two elements of obscure drawing together (7) : ?T???A?
6(D) Sort of free sheltered spot requires slight adjustment (7) : ?N?????
21(D) Primarily short of money, blood bank in a serious way (8) : ??????L?
23(D) Dead end setter’s old hat (7) : ?????S?

[Neveracrossword]

23 Impasse, dead end.I'm passe...said by the setter.

[JJ109]

21 S(ort) O(f)M(oney)B(lood) = rely (bank) = Sombrely (in a serious way)

[Neveracrossword]

21. Sombrely - first letters, short of money blood+ Rely, bank.

[Neveracrossword]

28 Styptic - replace the Cr in Cryptic with St, street, way.

[Neveracrossword]

6D Unstrap, sort of free(verb,).Suntrap is the sheltered spot, adjust the order of letters.

[Matakari]

Many thanks for coming to the rescue, NACW! While I understand Cheesecracker’s clever play on the numbers 25, 31, 29, 40, 10, 26, I am not too clear about the role played by 22, 5, 42, 14, especially 42. Any hints would be appreciated, thanks!

[jazzgirl]

Matakari
Do you have answers for all those numbers?
If so, please look again at the order given at the top of the puzzle . Hope this helps

[ProfessorMaisie]

If you still haven't found the answers, maybe this will help -

The unclued entries give information relating to the parts of the sum.
The first three words show where you'll see the total - the ''present crossword numeration'', (jazzgirl has put it more succinctly). The next three words reveal a ''property each figure possesses'' (and you already know the final 4 words because you've done the sum).
For the unclued entries, just make words that paraphrase what I've written in quotes, Matakari.

[Matakari]

I've just got it. I went astray with 42(A) because of wrong letter in the crossing answer for 36 (D). It all makes sense now. Thanks again!

[Neveracrossword]

Matakari, glad I could
help earlier, glad you got assistance with the theme.

[Matakari]

Thanks, ProfessorMaisie, I had worked it out just before you offered your comprehensive explanation. This was really thrilling, numerically speaking! Hats odd to Cheesecracker for a crafty offering!