RE: your shooting lane thoughts?
I had a NICE 7 pointer (bigger than anything I shot this year) 2X inside 25yds.....and didn't loose an arrow at him either time. In THAT instance (where I was).....I think minimal is better. I was near where I think he's bedding.
When it comes to rut stands.....I want almost maximum clearance to shoot. Most times in these stands.....I don't know for "sure" which direction they'll come from.....and I want to be able to shoot if I see him.
My outlook changes based on where I'm setup.