Hello, I happen upon your thread and read all the postings. I too have this kit and also added the complete Tom's PE sets for this vessel as well as what came in the kit. I won't go into alot about why, just that Tom's PE has some things that the kit set does not and I like the bench's from Tom's better, but the kit ones are easier to make/bend. Here is a tip, Hold and Fold........a must have for building and using PE on such a large and complex scale model ship. This can be found on eBay from the small cheaper version, to the larger do it all expensive one.
As for does one need to solder the PE, that depends on your skill @ doing such as this. With proper care and attention to what one is doing, this is the best way to join/assemble PE bar none, but also is the hardest to do. One must learn how to draw heat away from the fine brass etched parts and to allow the solder to get a grip and hold. I could only recommend this to the most advanced of modelers looking to do this type PE work. And you will need some very exspensive equipement.
Now with that said, what else is available to attach PE, well for starters here one that has worked many years for me, Future Floor Wax. Apply to part, place where you want it and after it has dried, apply again around the object and I promise, that part will stay there until you physically pull it off. Now this does not work for assembles, say like a deck house, for that CA works just fine. But remember, alittle will hold alot.
And of couse there is clear fingernail polish, that too can be used for attaching small parts to your deck/hull. Even PVA will hold small PE in place, then after painting, the object will stay put unless pulled free. All of these are ways I attach to my ship models. My best suggestion, go easy, use alittle PE here and there and get a feel, then go for the gusto on a project such as this most wonderful kit.
Will be following and watching to see how this turns out. Good luck and happy modeling.
Rick in NC