I've never had a stagger wing so can't be sure; but, on 7 Aeromasters, 2 Phaeton 90's, 2 Phaeton 40's and several other bipes, ALL required that the upper wing incidence was about 1.5 degrees less than the lower wing in order to fly well. Some were downright dogs until the upper wing incidence was reduced to less than the lower wing had. And, yes, all required right and down thrust. Slight changes in downthrust made some major improvements in how the plane handled.