Moving components has nothing to do with where the CG is supposed to be, only where it is. In other words, no matter what components you have in any locations, the CG should still be 16" in front of the TE.

Also, CG should be at 16" (as above) when the fuel tank is empty, not full. In the design of the plane and the establishment of the proper CG Laddie made the recommendations as stated and they have worked well - with none of the issues you have stated - when the CG is as stated on the 4 Northstars I have built and flown.

Add some weight - even temporarily - to the nose to get the CG where Laddie established it and fly it. I bet you find your issues are gone and the plane flies well.

Good luck.