something I need to understand ...
You'll like it. I shortened mine twice. This plane tolorates an aft CG very well. I also sharpened the leading edge of the wing for better snaps and increased the area of the elevator/rudder by a great deal. I'm afraid I flew it too much, however, as it became so ugly I couldn't stand the sight if it. So I took all the gear out of it and took it to the dump. I'l never forget the perfect outside loop it did as I threw it over the edge and into the trash abiss.
What a plane!