I'm only a newbie. Your question is interesting... I have some minor fore end problems: my fore end isn't to bad, but in order to tryng wood bedding tecnique, i've bought two other fore-ends My advice: whatever you want to do,look for another foreend and take your time to make experiments. It's only 3 mounths i train myself in No.4 bedding and i found that the thing is more diffcult than restoring old style kitchen tables and chairs.
I hope more experienced members will anzwer your question.