I almost got to the end downs-only (just 7D stymied me)… and of course missed the whole theme! (Though I suspect the theme clues wouldn't have helped me much!)
I'm not sure if the puzzle has any "deeper meaning", Depp. I merely used the letters G-I-M-M-I-C-K as clues for 7 symmetrically-placed grid entries for which the single letters can stand (e.g. G = Gram). If anyone does spot a deeper meaning, please let me know so that I can take the credit.