Thank's for checking in, Simon. You helped the last guy!
Despite my best efforts (thankfully?) I wasn't able to get much wood off. The fretboard still sits about 4mm above the body once I mocked it up again.



I didn't understand what you meant regarding the bridge and tape, and by the time it clicked, I had put some strings back on and took this picture



The strings are snugly *on* the neck when the bridge is at its lowest. The neck is the slightest bit concave out-of-the-box, so I don't believe that has to do with backwards curvature of the neck.
I think I lucked out and have a bit of upwards mobility with the bridge, which is good.
I'm through modifying scary bits like the neck pocket, I measured the scale, 313mm from inside nut edge to middle of 12th fret crown, and between 311(e) and 316ish (E) from 12th fret crown to bridge.
As pictured, the pickups fit comfortably under the strings, and I got the magnet centered.



Loving the look of these Warman pickups

After routing a little extra space for the aftermarket pickup switch (love my Dremel), I called it a night.



Later tonight I'll maybe raise the basswood grain a little and sand it back to 320 in preparations for T H E P A I N T