So basically I was just trying to take 3-4mm off each pass and get as close to the template edge without touching as I could. The errors came from messing around with the depth stop on the go and trying to line the guide bearing up with the template. After I grabbed the edge on the neck pocket I just kept fiddling/testing with the depth and lock mechanism which is the extra mess in there.

Really I was probably just being a bit impatient and gung ho, but I learn best by just doing and will approach it better next time.

Might even duck off today and grab some more pine for take 2. It's a bit bloody warm to be in the shed though so will see how I go.