ORIGINAL: KitBuilder
For my first flights I prefer to have max throws and fly with gentle stick movements just in case I need it for whatever reason. I have seen maidens end up in sticks because the flyer needed more throw for whatever reason and just didnt have it. After the first flight I dial it back with the knowledge I can go to the recommended throws.
I agree with this if there is ANY doubt about the cg or anything else. BUT I would recommend setting dual rates on both elevator and aileron with a good deal of expo.
Finally have spmeone standing by with the ability to reprogram rates centering etc in an emergency. I once test flew a large glider for someone from the slope and it had a warped wing. Even on full opposite throw it was still rolling gently. Full opposite rudder was added and I was able to keep it airborne although several uinplanned excursion happened when it was slowed.
Some one reprogrammed extra movement on the aileron servos, altered the neutral positions and offset one of the flap servos for me while I was fighting to keep it airborne. This made it controllable. I was real glad to get that one back on the ground in one piece.