Andy, WEDJ

About that elastic bands there is not an universal rule I think, only experience.

With acrobat flying, I want more tension near the LE of the wing than the TE because of the lift forces near the 0,25 % of MAC. The forces near the LE are twice when compare with the rear.

Separation on the LE will result in a greater AOA (inverted loop?) and that’s dangerous even for the wing spars .
That’s the reason I always (did) mount the elastics myself and from front to rear side.

So I have a better control over the tension on the front side and it’s never less than the rear side.
I always mount the elastic bands with some more tension (nut much) on the front side.
For the normal Taurus wing, not straight TE or swept back!!

I also never use crossed , but 2 small elastic bands over front dowels, left to right and (not always or smaller!) over the back dowels so the elastic bands cannot release themselves easy. In case of too much forces or a crash the backside always releases first.

I like to keep all the parts together but in case of an immergence, this is MY system!!
Just as anything with modeling, it is whatever you want.

About your second point Andy, I will talk about that when I have dinner with Taurusty. (ROFL)

Cees