The first one looks pretty good. I would have done a lot more with the chisel before switching tools. The route plane only comes out once you have defined edges to contain its blade.
Rather than using the chisel flat, try to angle it to do the edges first like steps 2 and 3 in this crude drawing. By taking small bites, the grain direction will matter a lot less, and you can nibble your way to a good middle without boogering up the edges.
And then flatten the chisel out and make the trenches wider. Only at the last step do you break out the router plane to level the bottom of the trench. But you want small bites.
Also, I would be looking at 1/4 inch inlay or thicker to start. Thinner stuff will be harder to work with.
