Shupack:

Yea I think I've read about every thread here on which retract is better, I just wanted another opinion from someone in about the same boat (plane) as I am, cept your in the front and I'm at the rear.
Good explanation on the counter balancing. Just one thing, I'm guessing you attach the surfaces and then let gravity do the rest (kinda like a scale). Of course with the rudder you would just turn the plane on it's side. Yes?