Hi Freaky, bummer your build turned out the way it has. I think your plans are the only way to go I would sand it all back and have another go at staining and finishing it.
As for the glue on the neck heel if you have an orbital sander I would sand off as much as you can trying not to touch the body binding. Rest you will have to clean up by hand with sandpaper.
As for the binding you will have to go the relic/vintage look otherwise needs a re-binding is a huge job.

To sand the body top you will need to remove the bridge/tailpiece bushings

best of luck and sing out if you need any more advice as you go