I think it’s great that you’re thinking outside the box of what you can do with the GF. Most guys only use them as designed and miss out on all kinds of opportunities. Those snack sticks look great!
Learning generally boils down to "Repetition or the avoidance of pain", some people learn by doing, some by watching and some just have to pee on the electric fence.
Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right. Henry Ford
I do it every time. It shrinks the casing down and gives it a little snappier bite. Usually let them bathe for 10 minutes or so then hang in the fridge overnight. Then vac seal the next day.