So basically, where as when I did my kit boat, I wired it together loosely and just had to worry about alignment as I tightened, but in this case, I should aim to cut and plane the fairest and symmetrical panels at first, then be prepared to trim and fair a bit more during the stitching process as the lines make themselves evident?

: It's more important to be fair. I usually do a good number of loose stitches
: around the entire boat, get the whole thing assembled. Align, straighten,
: and fair while I tighten and add stitches. Straight keel, fair lines, and
: reciprocity (mirror image) of each side is the key.