Crash,
If the relation of the wing to the stab is way off, teh wing will "wash out" the stab so that the stab doesn't get clean air at low speeds, therefore giving you no response.

Yes if you are on the forward most CG and on low rates you will likely be running out of elevator. try a little more throw or nudging your CG back a hair.

The right thrust is 2-3 degrees.