Possible Clues:

• With the help of red tape, one got to the point at last
• Got less exercise and maybe rated about it
• Gradually narrowing
• Irishman turned up before last of band and whittled away
• Thinned out
• Came to the point: red tape requires a new order
• Pointed thanks for each editor
• Chasing record, leftist gradually came to the point
• Thanks to exercise, looking hot and sweaty but gradually got thinner
• Record revolutionary coming to a point