FAI (forget about it). You get problems if the first layer isn't smooth because then there is unevenness/voids under subsequent layers. I don't hear anything wrong with the way your glassing went down. You were right to not mess with the strings until later. Scrape or sand away any drips, globs, wrinkles, strings and ridges and then start putting on THIN layers of fill coats. If you're using one of the tight weaves then you probably won't need more than one fill coat.

Good luck with the rest of the project Jay. And, good luck to you too Mike.

- Chip
http://www.nwlink.com/~chips