Good idea about the simulator trims. The Dave Brown RCFS used to have a "Diagnostic randomizer" that allowed you to fly an out of trim model and then figure out what needed to be done to correct it.

Rookie mistake #1 - looking at the transmitter to adjust the trim on ailerons. Fatal. And, it could be the rudder that was out of trim anyway but they believe a bank is caused only by ailerons. Practice changing trims on the simulator until you can do it without taking your eyes off the model.

The taxi & hop approach I described above is what I do when maiden flighting a new model. A couple times I have taken them back home without a first flight because I was not satisfied. Don't let pride and/or the audience convince you to try something that will be expensive and destructive.