The executive desk - Monclova, Oh - biscuits and glue beads

We've scraped the decorative knot in the desk top, so I've got some new maple to work with. I've done my normal routine with the planer, joiner, and saws, and have cut the slots for the biscuits to join the top together. A note about biscuit joining: I prefer using biscuits over just plain glue for a few reasons: #1, they keep things lined up, and #2, in my opinion, since the biscuit expands when it's hit with glue, it will make for a stronger joint.
One of the key things I want to make sure to do is to get the tops of the planks as level as possible so that it cuts down on sanding. To do that, I have made a device that woodworkers use to help level boards when joining - see the first picture. I had thought this device was called a caul, but I am not so sure, so if anyone knows, please feel free to leave a comment!
In the next few pictures you can see my biscuit layout. I glue in all the biscuits first, then do the edge glue-up. This gives me time to work with the piece as a whole, and manage the clamps.
A note about glue squeeze out. For the new woodworker, here is a trick for easily removing the glue beads without leaving residue (which will show up under your stain). Leave the glue beads in place, until a thin coating develops on the outside of the bead (almost becomes like a soft egg). Then, take a sharp chisel, and simply scrape it off! The glue bead will come off completely and easily, and leave very little behind to clean up!!! I tried several methods to get new glue off of wood, and I prefer this one the most.