Another related question - any recommendation for torque setting for alternator case screws? Good ol Haynes manual doesn't list anything
I used method just now for the clutch cover, and the straight on method and tighten immediatley, for the alternator cover. Only difference from your instruction, is I left it to set a little for 25 minutes, because it was a cold morning (6 degrees C). I found the honda bond (same as 3 bond) great to use; I was able to smooth it down nicely with a light touch with a finger. The only question was how much to use. I have always tended to be sparing, so as to not get any inside the cover at the risk of clogging oil ways. On the clutch cover, with tis alternative method, I used a little more than usual; approaching 1mm thick.
