I guess this thread may be dead by now but I've only just come across it - and had an idea.
There seem to be two issues here. One is helping people to solve a fascinating and at times infuriating crossword and, in so doing, encouraging less confident solvers to have a go. The other issue is maintaining some sanctity around the annual statistics which, I feel are part of the Listener's charm and kudos. I remember being struck, some years ago, when I received a letter from the statistician enquiring about a missing entry. I think it was about July, and presumably I was still on an all-correct run, had failed to complete a grid and received to check that my entry hadn't gone astray. I thought that this wonderfully kind and quirky. So I'd hate to see the statistics devalued.
So the suggestion is simply to withhold discussion of a particular crossword until the submission date has passed. That way nobody gets a leg-up with their entry but it still leaves a week before the solution is posted when those of us who have completed the current crossword can enjoy regaling those still struggling with the fruits of our wisdom, and enable the latter to enjoy the challenge of completing the crossword albeit with a few helpful hints.
Wouldn't that keep eveybody happy?