One of the best wys there is to balance a model is having the ability to move the battery and reciever. There really is no need to worry about where the plans tell you to place the battery and reciever. I have yet to assemble and ARF and place the battery and receiver in the recommended places. Usually the engine that is used will dictate this as you have already discovered.

As was already mentioned, leave the battery and reciever for last, place them where ever is needed once the plane is completely built and covered with all other radio gear installed, wing on and no fuel in the tank.

The easiest way I do this is to assemble the plane including the receiver, mark the balance point I want, the place the battery on the fuse until it balances correctly. Then remove the wing and place the battery in the fuse right at the point where it was outside the fuse.