First of all...I'm not an aeronautical engineer. These are just my observations from having an interest in full scale and model aviation.
I do not believe that there is a clear answer here. Different types of aircraft, (I'm talking full scale) flying at different speeds with different methods of control surface actuation, will all vary in relation to static balancing---If balanced at all. The full scale F-18 does not require static balancing on the stab pivot point due to the THOUSANDS of pounds of pressure that the hydraulic actuators can provide. Small private planes vary in their balancing due to their speeds, loads, etc.
Our models are completely different animals. On a model F-18 we do not have the same type of control surface actuation and force available to us. We rely on servos with their combination of torque and mechanical advantage in the linkage to overcome flight loads and flutter. One PROVEN method of decreasing the potential for flutter in our models is to balance the stabs on the pivot point. The pivot point, in most cases on our models, is located on the point of the center of pressure on any given stab. Balancing the stabs, especially in our larger jets, is very important in my opinion. The stabs own weight has a force of its' own. In flight, the servo must overcome this force plus any other forces incurred. Depending on the speed, oscillations can develop. Go fast enough, those oscillations turn into full blown flutter. In the early days of jet modeling I've witnessed first hand the horrible outcome due to failing to balance the stabs on a Byron F-16. In some cases, the oscillations alone can strip servo gears without flutter ever raising its ugly head. By then it could be too late. Your $8000 jet is a smokin' hole in the ground and you don't have a clue as to why.
Comparing what is done in full scale aviation vs jet modeling, in this case, is comparing apples to oranges. The bottom line is this....You can take your chances by not balancing the stabs. If you feel comfortable with the servo and linkage taking on all of the flight and static loads---Don't balance. As for me, I'm going to make my servos lives a little easier and balance the stabs.
Flame suit on---Fire away!!!
Kevin