I found smaller cuts off the flat. Like 5lb pcs makes a good (Nay) excellent finished product. One also needs to trim the end cap.
I'm more of a traditionalist I guess since I'd rather do a packer in it's entirety and then separate/trim after the fact. My new smoker (GMG Daniel Boone) is gigantic compared to my last one so I'm good now & none of this is an issue for me.