Eric,
I used to have trouble until I found a different method on the Modelwarships,com forum. I made a post of it here, Stretching sprue. I use CA to attach it and yes I uses an incense punk to shrink it, although as you know, if your not careful…oops, there goes not only 1 line but several. I found just when you think it could use a little more heat, STOP.
The fly tying line sounds like a much better/stronger method though. I should look for some.
I agree with you about ships being a real challenge. I also build wood sailing ships, and there is just so much going on, that ships make for a very intriguing display. Kinda like a well decorated Christmas tree, there’s just so much going on that you can’t stop looking at it.