qfrc flier,

I think the side view would be useful. A couple questions pop into my head. Is the rudder hinge line vertical? Is the rudder reasonably well balanced above and below the thrust line? Is the canopy really a sharp step, as it appears to be in the picture, with no rounded leading edge? A canopy shaped like that could conceivably blanket your rudder, reducing its effectiveness. Post a side view picture if it's handy, and maybe something will be more visible.

Good luck,

banktoturn