RE: Balancing low-wing plane
The CG front to rear does not change. The CG top to bottom changes quite a lot.
Balance a low wing plane upsided down. Anyone tells you different is full of it.
I believe a mid wing can be balanced either right side up or upside down. Canopy, pilot, landing gear would be the variables. I have tried both and settle on whichever orientation gives me the most steady balance.