Just re-reading some of the responses.

Tim, I see your point on wavy bandsawn material. I've owned and operated 3 different bandmills in years past, and I've seen how a dull blade will dive in the cut and creates the wave. So just leave the dip there and hit it with a spokeshave? Sounds good to me!

Roger and Jay: In your exchanges on short vs longer planes, you both made valid points that make alot of sense to me. Basically, all other issues have been cleared up for me, except that one. I guess as Jay said, it's a subjective issue, with no right or wrong in either choice.