I've finished the cording across the front. It extends to the far edges of the shoulder straps at the top, and narrows toward the waist. I'm going to add two more sections at the sides, but I don't plan to do any stiffening in the back. I may put a cord near the lacing holes, but that's all. Once I get the front and sides done I'll try it on again and see if it's working the way I want. I also will probably narrow the straps after the next fitting. The front section (~50 channels) only took a couple nights of sewing. Not as bad as I thought it would be.