RE: YAK 54 TOC1
First of all it gets it out of the way. Second you place it in the tunnel in the center of the wing tube so it is on the CG; that way as your tank empties the flying characteristics do not change due to a change in your cg. I personally think you are getting a little too carried away with trying to lighten this plane at 16 to 16.5 LBs it fly's great and pulls out of a hover with plenty of authority. Unless possibly you are pretty high above sea level.
Happy Fying!
Edward