Thanks for the comments Artanis. I didn't mean to necessarily build the wings or engines at one time versus one at a time, it's just seemed to make sense to do it that way. Though I'm sure other would disagree.
At to living vicariously through assembly videos posted by others... I totally get it as I've done the same many times. I was apprehensive about dropping $200 on a single LEGO kit that would then just turn into a museum piece as much of the fun of LEGO is the putting it together part. BUt then I thought, I love LEGO, and I love Star Wars, and gosh darn it, I'm worth this momentary splurge. It is an extravagance, but a pleasant one as the X-Wing kicks butt. I certainly won't be buying the Super Star Destroyer or Death Star any time soon.