First off for only a second kit you have done a great job. When I pulled up the photos the framing looked as well done as any I have seen even from long time builders.
As for the time involved, you aren't alone. Many builders ge burnt out and hang them up for long periods of time. I can do a frame up in days but then I have been known to lag. Not for real long but I walk away from the build and catch my breath.
One thing I do is to install all my gear and have the controls all made up and working before I ever start to cover, engine mounted and cowl on. It's a lot easier to get in the plane with your hands and slather glue and epoxy. Then I remove anything that will get in the way and start covering.
I enjoy covering so that seems to go very smoothly and it only takes a few days to get it finished.
I'm so glad you mentioned the TEX coverings ease. I have told people for years that the TEX makes everyone look good and it's easy to use. I do most of my work in the heat of the summer and when I finish covering a plane I set it out in the sun for an hour then take it into my shop and shrink it up again then set it back out in the sun and keep doing that until it no longer sags or wrinkles. I can leave a plane out in our hot desert sun for days on end without ever having it loosen up.
I built a Cub for a friend and he covered it with Cub Yellow Tex. The paint he used was a very good match to the covering. I will ask him today what brand he used and post it up here for you.
Scar, my buddy bought a glass cowl from FGS and it has the engine molded into the cowl on the left side. It's a real well made cowl and the molded in engine looks great. He also bought the one piece LG from FGS. Not only looks great but works very well. Don't know what they have for the bigger Cubs but there LG and coal are great.