What are the design elements necessary for a good 3D plane?

Many other threads state elements from being light / strong / wing loading etc. So what is it that contributes to the best design for 3D?

At one time it was suggested (way before 3D was ever even thought of) that you could take all the elements of the current crop of upper level pattern designs and come up with an average for the best plane. Another perspective is you would end up with an !QUOT!average!QUOT! plane. The reasoning behind this is every design is a compromise to gain a given result. Do we design for the best tork roll / blender / wall or ????

I'm currently working on a design and have some of my own ideas. Just wondering how other opinions will surface that may change the direction of design. What airfoil / thrust line / moments etc. are some questions that come to mind. Should the wing be straight or tapered? Advantages/ disadvantages of each? Should the tail feathers be flat or air-foiled? There must be others that have addressed these same questions.

Input please.

EXCAP232