re: My solution to veneering a large panel.

I have seen a few installers spraying contact cement right next to roaring space heaters, which should N E V E R be used inside with doors, and windows all closed up, talk about fumes, but I never actually saw any fires, or dead peeps laying around. I think the pilot light thing is exactly a CYA move on their part. 

I often do stuff to make myself warm and fuzzy though, and agree that anything that makes you uncomfortable should be treated in a way that makes you warm, and fuzzy. Or find another way, so you are. Big believer in your party, your rules.