I have had some very helpful suggestions from Andy in particular and I will construct my cues with a little more of a plan in the future. Till now I have treated them a bit like an abstract/expressionist painter throwing everything at them in a creative flurry then spending time going through and muting, deleting sections. All very time consuming. So from now on I'm going to set up a mental template for a cue; when elements come in, attention to the sides/panning of instruments, sectional development and generally making things more cohesive etc. Having more of an end game in mind before starting.
I think it ties in too with what you said about the sounds which I think is like having the right tools for the job. The mandolin is a cheap 'folk' type [and you can hear its not great, and I'm no mandolin player], the resonator isn't super expensive but it has that reso/dobro sound. I guess I have learned a lesson here that can be applied to multiple genres- identify the elements/tools specific to the genre. I know its basic and its been stated over and over but hopefully the penny might be dropping for me. Learn a genre and then you will get the 'key' and that I think, is using the right tools and building the correct structure to house your creativity.
Sorry for going off on a rave but I guess I'm getting excited about gaining a little clarity after a year or so of wandering all over the place.
Thanks TAXI community, I'm grateful to you all.
