I fully agree with whoever said throws are just recommendations. That is very true. However, I'd like to emphasize that planes fly better if each control surface moves identical to it's twin. By that I mean if one aileron goes up 1" or 15 degrees or whatever, you want the other aileron to do exactly the same. For this reason, I suggest using a meter that can measure to at least 1 degree. It is just hard (not impossible) to get any sort of accuracy from the ruler method.

The GP throw thingy is better then nothing, but you'd be better off with a meter like this: http://www.centralhobbies.com/Tools/measurement.html

Sitck Jammer: Measuring from the hing line to the protractor is actually very easy There is no need to "judge" the distance... just measure it. Say you are measuring elevator throw. Fix the plane so the stab is at zero incidence. Measure the height of the stab from the table. Set the protractor to the same height (best to use an adjustable stand the the protractor mounts to.) Place the stand such that the hinge line is proper distance from the protractor. Simple.