The indirect method is more effective with charcoal on one side (only) and the meat on the other.
I'm grateful....
The autopsy revealed that, despite the aforementioned clear area, there was still far too much direct heat applied given the considerable fat content of the bird. This weekend, we have decided a Capon will be the fowl of choice and I shall follow your learned advice accordingly...
Edited to add that Beagle's term "a hint of duck" (une touche de canard) will suffice admirably as a new metaphor when we go to yet another oenophilic extravaganza next week.