RE: How to Strengthen Fiberglass Seam in a Tight Enclosed Area?
Yep. In order to make the joggle/step hold it's shape, it needs to be partly cured (epoxy kicked off for a couple hours) for trimming and pulling the step mold off. If it's still really gummy, the glass will not release from the step mold and you risk deforming the step when you go to join the two halves.
I use to do this on really light fuselage lay ups (borderline flimsy) so on a more standard, stiffer lay up this should be a bit easier.
BTW, making the steps on opposite mold halves allows you to slip the two mold halves together at a better angle than dropping it straight down and hoping you are lined up. Shown here: