Make a 45 degree triangle out of cardboard and hold it up to get roughly the perspective you would have when flying a 1/2 reverse cuban, that gives you a very good idea of just how steep to make it.

As far as box violations, they are a little different in FAI than in the AMA classes. You are penalized less in FAI when flying within 150 meters. You can get that kind of info from the NSRCA judging page, I dont remember it off the top of my head.

The trick to box violations is not to make them Then it doesnt matter how they are downgraded LOL