IMHO having done both methods I don't think of the 'advantage' of using a mold is so that you can force fit sides that are not accurately bent. I see it more as just another method or technique in the building process... A different way of doing things. In fact it seems to me that most who use a mold also use side bending machines which are very accurate. It comes out of the machine and fits right into the mold.
When not using a mold you can still kind of sort of fudge fit sides that are not perfect. It's not really that much more difficult (especially if you use a bending machine). It's just another way of accomplishing the same task.
Open face building is a Spanish tradition and there are probably thousands of luthiers out there that still do it. Cumpiano and Natelsons book which is generally considered the 'bible' of DIY craft building is done in this method so not only do professional luthiers build this way but many many hobbyist too.
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