RE: Control throw for pattern flying
Link up with Sebastiano.
European style is for more control throw and more expo.
Not sure what the U.S. style is but I set my throws up to give me all I need for a good radius at the bottom of a ziptie, essentally what you need is enough elevator to loop and get you through the basic maneuvers, roll rate for about moderate roll at full deflection. Vertical up one roll per 1.5 seconds.
My personal preference is to go to high rate for snaps and spins. My plane will do a respectable snap at low rates, but the entry is a little slow, so I go to higher rudder and elevator.
My setup, which varies from others. I've tried higher expo on ailerons and elevator, with more throw, but the result is inconsistent radius and roll rates. Thus the dual rates I use (I adust the expo so the center feels the same regardless or rate).
Best of luck.