In regards to your questions in the July Salmon Flyer, I hope the following will be helpful to you.

The center quill of a crest should be laying atop the wing. This should prevent it from drooping. Before I frame a fly I mist it with a pump type, plain, hair spray. Hold the fly three feet away an mist both sides, DO NOT SOAK, just mist. This will keep all the feathers in place during framing an transportation. Don't get me wrong, I'm not believer in gluing, waxing or spitting a fly together.

The roof of a fly was added to stabilize it (making it ride correctly) in slow moving currents and large, flat pools. Bronze Mallard, like Woodduck, is unforgiving. It will take on the shape of whatever it is being tied onto. The part of the feather you'll be using is in the center [of the quill], since the fibers must be long enough to dress the fly. The tie-in spot on the feather is at the root, or close to the quill. Here, the fibers are the strongest and hold together well. The tie-in spot on the fly must be smooth, if not, the mallard will resume the shape of the lump or bump and split apart. To prepare the feather, take notice that the fibers are pointed upward from the stem. Stroke the fibers down at a 90º angle from the stem. You'll notice the tips of the fibers are almost straight, keep stroking until all the fibers are remarried. You'll only get two, maybe three, wings from a feather. Use the rest for trout flies. Measure your wing and add five extra fibers. These extra fibers will be folded over. Repeat for the other side. Place both wings together, making sure the five extra fibers are folded over on the inside of the wing. Holding the wing on the topmost portion [of the hook], you'll notice the bottom cupping and the folded parts are back to back. Tie the wings on a the same time, taking two loose wraps. Keeping the center aligned with the main wing, let the sides of the mallard go down the side of the head (you'll fix that next). When the Mallard is straight with the main wing, take a dubbing needle and gently slide the fibers on the side up towards the center, compressing them like an accordion. Repeat this for the other side. Take a few more wraps and secure. From the head, stroke the Mallard rearwards. The folded over section should marry to the main wing and the sides should flair out. This little trick Bill Hunter showed me and looks nice. It takes a little practice, but once you get it, it's a snap.

As for your wings, go for what makes you feel good. Keep in mind that it's your fly. If we all tied the same, what fun would it be, unless you're trying to reproduce someone else's style.