quick course
the lightest setup with the most power is the winner -every time
there is no such thing as a heavy model which flies light .
The vertical distance between engine effective thrust line and wing placement does change "character" of model and all in one line is easiest for twirling in a hover
The CAP tho is a different character and some really prefer it for flips high location of applied force against lower drag(wing) location makes this work.
All in all larger stabs (relative to wing area) makes the low speed control better.
Airfoil -as long as it is strong enough -any of em will work -I like thin ones.
sharp LE - phooey - if the wing wil pitch quickly -it will stall or snap-