I agree about the CG being too far forward to start with - needed lots of down to hold inverted. Having the CG back far enough to hold inverted hands off has it's own set of problems too. It's real easy to climb while inverted, especially if you deploy top rudder on the way around.

As I think about the wing incidence solution to downline correction, I think you're right. Each wing adjustment must be followed by a corresponding elevator correction to maintain level flight, thus negating that adjustment. Why then do the trimming charts suggest doing this?

The one variable which may be my solution is airspeed. The pullout increases with airspeed, so if I can keep the speed down, maybe the line will stay straighter - I'll give it a try.

Thanks