It's worth trying out how the neck feels in your hand. My EX-1 has a very chunky 50's Gibson feel to it, which I didn't realise until I'd put the finish on. It's comfortable, but not very 'rock'. I plan to sand the shoulders down to get it more to a 'C' shape from a fat 'D' and refinish the neck.

As yours is a 7-string, it may well have a different profile, but best to check now and do any modifications you feel necessary before you start putting finish on. Taking off from the sides is fine, but try not to reduce the depth by more than 1mm (except where it thickens out at the heel), as you'll risk exposing the truss rod.