The thread basting actually goes faster than you expect....I do the whip stitch in the corner, but don't end up knotting. I just leave a tail. I havent' had any come apart.
I use paper pieces I cut out myself just because I didn't want to spend the $s when I calculated how many I would need in total. I can't imagine getting the same precision without the paper pieces.
I don't use any glue at this point. I'd be a bit afraid that pulling the paper off with dried glue would skew the piece.