I'm often the one to put my thumbs up for braided stuff opposed to stitched BUT a well thought through stitching job can surely equal that of a Mexican roundbraided edge.
Think you nailed it!! This seat is killer!!!
You can be proud, grab a beer and relax tonite!! Tomorrow...new seats, I think handstitching may be in demand when this one hits the streets;-) Sharpen your awl!!
Tom