Guy,
I've recently switched to a simple 5 Minute Epoxy for all of my wing/strut work. I was finding that CA Glue set up too quickly to allow for adjustments if required. The epoxy offers the strength required with the luxury of a few minutes of "wiggle" time before it sets.
I always complete the painting of the struts and wing and decaling as well before assembly and, where practical, like to do the "fore and aft' or longitudinal cross bracing between the bay strut pairs and the cabanes as well before the upper wing goes on. On other then Wingnut Wings Kits I also like to "pin" the struts if at all possible. Last, I add the ailerons and rear control surfaces after the wing is installed and fully rigged to avoid knocking them off during the foregoing steps.
For all of this I prefer to have the model locked into a jig, the sweep or stagger preset, and the space between the wings set as well; minor adjustments can follow as the struts are installed. Normally I set the center or cabanes first and then follow with the "Bay" or main struts. On several of the Roden subjects I've done I've found that very small additions or trimming of the struts has been required to get the assembly all squared up and symmetrical.
It is a bit of a "black art" alright, and I find tongue biting and lip curling helps a lot! Last, it offers a great opportunity to exercise your vocabulary, it's good for the soul! I hope this is of some help.
Cheers,
Lance