RE: The importance of prop balancing!
Nothing wrong with balancing your own props instead of returning them....imo. I use a Dubro balancer.
I will sand a small patch on the back side of the heavy blade if an APC. If it is out of balance spanwise, I will sand a little from the hub area. I balance props with the spinner and backplate. I also smooth out the leading edge flash with sandpaper.
To each their own. No problem here.