Thanks guys.
Michael, I'd not go so far as to call this kit a sow's ear. The fit issues are average (we can't expect everything to fit like a Tamiya kit) and can be overcome with patience. Those less anal than me would have let them go and the model would likely still be presentable. The surface details are quite nice and the cockpit and wheel wells are pretty well-stocked.
Things should go quicker now. The horizontal stabs are now in place (fit well with a small need for filing the opening for the elevator connectors) and I can get on with the landing gear, wind screen, and gunnery, which I will replicate in brass.