A visual meta this time around: Note the clue for SEEN references some vowels not occurring as much than others. And while there is a proliferation of Es, that's mainly because the As and Us were restricted: only five each of them exist in alternating fashion around the center (centerpiece) of the grid.
Per the IM IN MY ELEMENT themer, Au is the atomic symbol for gold (and this is reinforced as important by the clue for 1-Across). And these letters form, in Valentine's Day fashion, a heart. This leads us laterally to HEART OF GOLD, this week's meta answer.
Thanks to all for solving! My Valentine was Ginger Cat, of course.
See you on Saturday for the end-of-month meta! I'll be in an extra good mood because my Cubbies have their first spring training game!!
Mikey G
