BMathews - i like your little chuck glider 'aerodynamics lab' - i might make one for my boy (if i can resist putting micro radio on it Lol).

harryangus - just my 2cents (or 2 pence worth) - most trainer types are trimmed with a deliberate excess of +ve incidence and a way too far forward balance point, for stability (as has been mentioned) and have that annoying tendency to rear-up under power, yet dive maybe on the glide. As BMathews said, the proper cure is a slightly more rearward balance point accompanied by less incidence - but try a little at  a time because the plane will become less stable in pitch. A little down thrust is no bad thing, but excessive down thrust will make the plane briefly want to dive when the throttle is opened a bit quick - cos the down thrust effect is instant, but the balancing aerodynamic forces only come in as the airspeed increases. Another fudge around 'cure' is if you have a programmable radio and can programme mix in a little down elevator as the throttle opens and a liitle up elevator as the throttle closes - i've used this trick on a slightly too 'bouncy' vintage cabin type plane.

good luck with the solo flight!