Thanks to everyone who solved and tried to complete the meta.
Meta Solution:
Crosswordese
Meta Explanation:
LIST + EFT = LEFTIST
GENTRY + EAU = GENEAUTRY
CHEATS + APSE = CHEAPSEATS
SKED + EWER = SKEWERED
DRS + ONO = DONORS
FIN + ADE = FADEIN
My only regret with this puzzle was being unable to fit OREO.