RE: IS my equipment selection satisfactory
I know you are not going to listen to these people so set up the plane with the center of gravity on the most forward end of the recomended CG range, that's nose heavy, not tail heavy, and use low control surface movements. Have an experienced pilot take off and land it for you and practice flying it at it's lowest speeds. You learn nothing from flying it fast, slow is harder.
When at a safe altitude, pull back hard on the stick and do a tight loop, if this causes a snap roll, let the experienced pilot land it and reduce the elevator throw even more.