Arachnid, let me see if I can answer all those questions.
This method was no easier. Some aspects were even a little trickier.
The thick piece(maple), for the most part is the riser. It is 18" long and about 1" thick. There is a powerlam. But you can't really see it. The belly glass is double stacked for 20". The bocote is more or less just to form the grip and add some strength to the riser.
The maple has radius for about the first 3" to get the fades correct thickness then runs flat thru the center.
The handle build up is about 12" so that it does not interfere with the working fades.
Stack is .320 with .003 total taper.
I think that was everything