I'm in my natural state now - confused.

Today's goal at the field: adjust the CG with the objective of removing 13 clicks of down elevator to maintain straight-n-level flight at 3/4 throttle.

Flight 1: asis - just to reinforce how it behaves today - needs 13 clicks to maintain snl
Flight 2: moved battery pack back 1/2" (on top of tank as far back as possible) - needs 13 clicks
Flight 3: moved battery pack back to mount vertically on the rear of the tank - needs 13 clicks
Flight 4: added 1/2 oz weight 12" behind CG - needs 13 clicks
Flight 5: added 1/2 oz weight 12" behind CG - needs 12 clicks
Flight 6: added 1/2 oz weight 12" behind CG - needs 12 clicks
Flight 7: no change just wanted to fly again

The main change in behavior was in its slow speed handling. Slow, smooth 3-point landings are a no-brainer. Up wind approaches, down wind approaches, dead stick - all much easier to manage as the CG moved back. I will test the CG on the bench this evening to determine where it actually is.

Also, picked up a 14x4W APC this afternoon. Next flying day I'll test it out. Just wanted to make sure that I can pull a nice 3-point flair landing to save the prop. . Yea, I know, the 14" APC is heavier and I will need to tweek the weight a bit.

I really, really, really like this plane even if it needs 12 clicks of up elevator to fly level.

Thanks for the pointers folks!