There are no dumb questions... just dumb people. Not talking about the OP or anyone else. Just a saying I use.
I have seen several guns with just what you are describing done to them. When there is no sign of weakness or any cracking at all. I just chalk it up as preventative maintenance.
A dowl that is checkered over is a fine fix, but the best way is a walnut inlay that is the exact size of what will be the new the checkering panels. The outside of the inlay will be the inside of the new cut border. A very clean and nearly indetectable repair, apart from the fact that there would be checkered action panels where there shouldn't.
