In view of the decision of the DT to discontinue the Herculis Links, it is impossible to carry on with the challenge of trying to double-guess the devious mind of Michael Mepham for one last time. The crossword grid published today does not follow on from that published on Saturday.
In my opinion, three of the link words set by MM were so flexible that ABers could spot at least twenty feasible options making over 8000 combinations to fill these words alone (assuming that EXPERT WITNESS was the final link). What we have learned is that it would be foolish to assume anything concerning MM. He was rarely predictable and often would come up with a link that almost 100 ABers failed to predict! I am now thinking of Journal Bearing, Vanity Press and Cosmic Space to name but a few from the very recent past!
It is with great sadness that I close this thread and dedicate the sentiments therein to the memory of an extraordinary quizmaster who clearly has touched the hearts of many whilst challenging their minds. The fact that the Link game attracted regular entrants from as far afield as Canada and Australia speaks volumes.
It is perhaps poignant that the solution of 5down in today's Crossword reads simply IN MEMORIAM.
I now put away my spreadsheets and abacus - and thank everyone who has taken part in the competition. If, in an attempt to introduce wit, I have offended anyone, then I apologise. That was not my intention!
Special thanks go to ShamrockBlue for the initial concept and to sarumite for the sustaining energy to build up the competition into a successful weekly event.