"If I wasn't looking for a repair or gap filling, then maybe thicker materials that sit on surfaces aren't really needed."
The value of the epoxy type agents are their bedding ability. If an old stock head is weakened, and has limited contact area, the epoxy type agents can provide 100% contact area to assist in handling the recoil.
I've never used the CAs for this, so can't address them. I can see how they might strengthen the wood, but can't see how they would increase the contact area. However, strengthening the wood might be enough in some cases.
SRH
