Minus 18 + 19 
Fly over the equator? TSETSE
Pistons’ place THENBA
Nice compliment TRESBIEN
Lascivious leader? ELL
Theme: phrases with
R[18th letter] &
S removed…
Failures and {theme} LOSERS [that is, lose rs]
Like calls between drudges? PEONTOPEON
RATING:
Three grins = Excellent: Loved it; Two grins = Good: Enjoyed it; One grin = Satisfactory: A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Unsatisfying: No fun
