Contrary to popular belief, an aft CG doesn't make hovering much easier. During flight an aft CG will make the plane more pitch sensitive as the CG moves back toward the center of lift. In a hover that effect disappears. Additionally,the difference between 25% to 35% CG does not increase the "pendulum effect" very much.

I have a very nose heavy trainer that hovers fine

It's all in the thumbs.