I heard at one time that braid needs to be spooled on a different winding pattern than Mono. It looks like the majority of the line is towards the front of the spool. Is there any truth to this? Or does it matter?

Make sure you put it on wet with plenty of pressure, I usually put the spool of braid in a little Tupperware container of water and apply pressure with my fingers while reeling. Use a damp rag or something though to protect your fingers, braid will slice you open before you realize it. The biggest issue I see with people spooling up braid is over-filling the spool, you can leave up to an 1/8th of an inch or so of the spool showing, no need to try to pack it to the brim. 

If the line is stacking it's an adjustment issue. Pull the spool off and add one the spare little plastic washers that came with it.