Hello Toby. It's coming on very nicely.
I don't think there's anything wrong at all with your brainwave in principle; it's certainly how I proceed once key painting is completed. You're right that the rigging can get in the way, but I resolve this (as I think others do) by using small pieces of masking tape to keep them safely tucked out of the way. If you can imagine the rigging complications on a Brisfit, the upper surface of the top wing, the bottom surface of the lower wing and the top of the rear fuselage were covered with little pieces of tape, but it all worked in the end for me.
Best wishes
Nigel