RE: takeoffs
A "little" elevator can get you into the air before the plane is truly flying. I'd rather see you swap out for larger wheels. Get some 3" wheels with a fairly hard tire (like Dubro), not the foam type (Like Dave Brown). Be sure the bottom of the wing sits level when the plane is at rest. Don't have more than about 1/4" travel either way when the wheel turns. You just don't need more than that, and too much turn will cause the wheel to dig in.
Also, be sure the balance is within range, and the plane isn't nose-heavy. That will make it dig in, too.
Dr.1