installing intake

Yes, You can cut what ever extra gasket is sticking out. As for a consitant bead. the front right side of the intake has about a inch more mounting surface than the left side. So simply may not see any on the right side.

As long as the bead was good when you laid it down.

I too had a problem witht the dowl pins the first time, didn't crack the intake or anything but didn't allow the intake to seal like it should in the rear. Got a good oil leak soon after. Second time around as mentioned above I just drilled the pin whole on the intake out a little more.

I personally never use the end gaskets, always the RTV.