Unnecessary way to require fewer (8)
I believe the answer is:
needless
'unnecessary' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'require fewer' is the wordplay.
'require' becomes 'need' (synonyms).
'fewer' becomes 'less' (associated in meaning).
'need'+'less'='NEEDLESS'
'way to' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may belong to another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for needless that I've seen before include "Unwanted" , "Surplus to requirements" , "Without reason" , "Otiose" , "Excessive" .)