FWIW I cut out the Monkote from the bottoms on the stab and added a 1/4" piece of balsa before I added the hinge points. Yes, small "patch" in the Monokote, but it's on the bottom. Also, the most important part about these CA hinges is that you MUST seal the hinge gap w/ Monokote etc. This takes some of the stress from the hinges, improves control surface effectiveness, and most importantly, keeps the control surface attached should a hinge fail.