the spread sheer clamp construction does come together. If you ever get the chance compare the first couple feet of your Chesapeake bow at the waterline to other four panel s&g hulls. You'll notice the side panels are fairly vertical. Most other hulls I've seen have more flare in the bottom and side panels. Look at a CD Caribou,Pygmy Tern, Shearwater Merganser,Cirrus and Arctic Hawk,,all different hull shapes that could NOT be developed with stiff pre-glued sheerclamps.
The Chesapeake has more volume in the middle of the hull in all attitudes to waves leaving a sharp bow to do what is ok in the stern but is dicey up front while going down waves,,other designs with flared side panels and a more pronounced curve to the bow have more reserve bouyancy. So the utility of internal/external frames or a strong back isn't so the hull can go together perfectly, although it helps, it's because those worthwhile (in the water)shapes cannot be developed easily WITH stiff preglued sheerclamps.
It's not an easy thing to see in the beginning but after awhile it's as evident as the difference between a solid rear axle and independent suspension in a sports car. I spent a little time designing/building/paddling a CLC style 18'x21" kayak with a fuller bow and it became evident that it's possible to make a more wave friendly design,,but using a hull forming element like stiff preglued sheerclamps/side panels works against developing a wave friendly bow compared to working with 4mm ply alone.
The best example of this is by comparing a Pax20 with a QCC700 or Epic 18. All have fairly plumb bows. But the actual shape/volume in the bow is substantially different.