I have a couple questions about external stems.

I think I have done a pretty good job of fingering all the strips together at the bow and stern. I probably spent more time there than I needed. As I read from Nick's book he says to saw and plane off the ends until you get about 3/8" to 1/2" wide flat area to which you place the stem lamination. What I don't quite understand is that at 1/2" the two sides are now separated with no glue joint. Wasn't that the purpose of gluing the finger joints together in the first place? At 3/8" a bit of the joint is left, but not much. Is the stem more a function of covering up sloppy finger joints or is it truly a matter of adding strength and durability? Since I did such a fine job with the joints can I just plane down to a 1/4" flat and have a thinner stem? Granted that would be quite a small stem. How far back onto the hull do you typically carry the stem? If it gets sanded flush to the hull it gets thin quick. And how tight of a stem radius is acceptable on the very bow and stern? Fiberglass doesn't like to go around sharp corners. Is it acceptable to sand quite pointy and run the glass off the end and not wrap it?

Sorry for so many questions. They seem to come in flurries.
Thanks