RE: Seamaster flight characteristics
Think of the engine location, if you increase power the tendecy is to pull the nose down. When you trim for full power and you reduce power the tendency is to zoom. I'd think messing with the thrust line is where I'd start first. get that right and you may be suprised how much it effects your flying.
The engine is up on a pole trying to pull the nose down unlike one mounted to the nose. on the nose a little out of line will only effect it in some manuevers. On that pylon a little thrust line change is going to really change the trims with every power setting. I agree if you can mix the throttle with the elevator it should give some relief but try shimming the thrust line and see if that helps.
Pete