Hi mick 1404, my answer to your initial question(if still relevant) about canard pusher engine upthrust would be: YES..! Most of my earlier pusher canards have used 0-0 engine mounting and they all had a tendency to initially dip the nose when I slam the throttle(s) into full bore. I interpret that as the rear engine pushing down the nose a bit. My latest FSW design therefore use a bit of rear engine "upthrust".
What happened to your canard mick1404..?!