Rich,

Maiden? Knees knocking because it was so dang fast. I think most of that was fear of crashing in front of an audience. I believe I flew the maiden - it was some time back.

I can't offer any assurances on ease of trimming because it may be out of trim even with the surfaces looking in-line. My "newbie" trimming approach was to simply:
1) ignore the stick center positions and fly the plane with whatever inputs necessary to keep it steady.
2) get the throttle to about 2/3 and leave the left stick alone while I:
3) Fly with the right thumb while my:
4) left index finger fixes the trims.

How hot it comes in will depend pretty much on how much time you give it to slow down AND where the CG is. Compared to the trainer, it takes some time to bleed off speed.

It's VERY stable with the CG at H9's forward recommended setting while displaying no tip-stalling tendancies. Even with the CG that far forward, it can come in slower than you may think is possible. But it will not fly as slow as a trainer. Try some stalls at altitude before you bring it in to get an idea. Some folks reported tip-stalling with CG moved back. No surprise there. Check H9's website for updates to throws and CG before you fly. My manual had an addendum with updates to throws and CG. You don't want surprises the first time out!

Be sure to takeoff with high rates. My first takeoff was on low rates (DOH!) and almost didn't have enough elevator to do the job. Dang near ran outta runway.

I've heard that it has a nose-over tendancy in grass, but haven't witnessed this.

Put some scuff guards on the wingtip undersides.

It goes right where you point it.

Rudder throw: Are the rudder horn holes lining up horizontally with the hinge line while at neutral? If not, fix it - that would explain the problem. Which hole in the horn are you using? I think I'm using the 2nd one from the hinge line.

I used an OS 46FX with supplied motor mount (heavy) and battery tucked under the turtledeck. This put the CG at H9's forward spot.

I fixed the fin with an iron. That was so easy.

lemme know if I can be of assistance with anything else.