Even though the joint may be stronger than the surrounding wood, wouldn't the joint create a stress point that would be different than if there were no joint in a long section of wood? The joint may not separate but maybe the wood might crack where the glue stops? Just trying to optimize were I place my joints. It sounds as though I shouldn't stress over this issue.

: 8-8-1 is the norm for panel lengths only because it is more efficient in
: laying the panels out on 4 x 8 foot panels in order to minimize waste. A
: well done scarf joint will be as strong and as flexible as the plywood.