Helps? I'm almost crying with joy! Of course the thing i've most wanted to hear has been "yes nevermind, you've made a brilliant observation, the arm will indeed have to be essentially straight, nice pickup!"
Seriously tho, thanks Hunter. I should have pm'd you about this thread and my use of your stickmen as visuals, my bad.
For some reason I've just assumed you want as much bend left over, to be thrust to both arms straight, as you can. If someone tells me that that is not the case, and in fact a very small amount is a valid option, I'll take that onboard and move on.