I have never experienced perfection. Perhaps in the next life.....
I have been flying the little Gee Bee R-2 that Great Planes marketed a while ago. Many, many flights and no damage. Lower pitched props so the engine can wind up, plus it acts as an airbrake when idled. Also, I have set up a down elevator-to-flap mix, without the flaps, of course. For me, an airplane that has a tendency to dive at idle, easily overcome with a little up-stick pressure held constantly, makes for a better landing. Holding down elevator seems un-natural, but pulling a variable amount of up to control the glideslope seems easy and natural.
It's not in my budget to get the CARF R-2, yet. I sure appreciate you sharing your experience, and learning curve in any case! One of these days......