Sometimes I just agree w/ Rex and don't have any MetaRex quibbles w/his points...yes, MEXICAN MEAL is weak, yes, you want to avoid non-thematic ME sequences given how common ME is and Dan Schoenholz does well with that, yes the execution is nice w/ the MEs all doubled in the four long answers and the central ME ME ME ME ME.
Three add-on points...
The puzzle has a nice musical note implicit theme...think Maria Callas or your favorite diva going "Mi-Mi-Mi-Mi-Mi" in the middle and then "Mi-Mi" in each long answer.
The weakness of MEXICAN MEAL in the upper left is nicely countered by the good ME crosser ANIME and the good fill GEN-X right below it. ROTI is kinda weak below that, yes, but it's a tasty Indian bread, not just roast in French...it's better fill than you think if you only know the one meaning.
LEAN ON right below MEMEMEMEME is a nice implicit reveal given the the song and movie "Lean on Me."
A final tech grump...it'd be appreciated if the regular Times site software as opposed to AcrossLite gave you credit for multiple letters...filled in all the MEs with Ms and got the incorrect signal...oh well.
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