On the contrary, it does matter. Those braces span most of the width of the lower bout. Making the top flat below the bridge alters the geometry, such that the bridge will not tip forward under string tension. The finger braces and the soundhole braces are the ones that are so short that a radius doesn't matter.
I glue top braces in three steps.
1) X-braces, onto radius cauls.
2) Tone bars, bridgeplate, and finger braces, all clamped flat
3} Upper transverse brace and soundhole braces. The transverse brace also uses a curved caul.
If I am notching the braces and bridgeplate into the X-braces (prewar Martin style), I swap steps #1 and #2.
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