I've never done a neck reshaping myself...suffice to say its not as simple as it sounds, it takes some time to do. I do have a project axe with a chonkytown neck on it that I may experiment with.
As far as neck patterns go...I've never really cared that much about it. I can feel the difference, but its never been a big deal. The only necks I dislike are those super wide Ibanez Wizard type necks. I detest those things.