Doyens dissed thesis, essentially, though there are some positive responses (6)

I believe the answer is:

yesses

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'positive responses' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for yesses that I've seen before include "Votes in favour" , "Affirmatives" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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