So much is not required as might be expected (8)
I believe the answer is:
needless
'so much' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'not required as might be expected' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'not' could be 'less' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'less' is located in the answer.
'be' could be 'need' (needing is a kind of being) and 'need' is located in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'is' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for needless that I've seen before include "Surplus to requirements" , "Lessened, being without good cause" , "Unwanted" , "- - to say" , "Otiose" .)