David,

Here is a link meant for full-scale pilots that is often referred to on RCU when people ask about the basics:

http://www.av8n.com/how/

I think a discussion of tail volume coefficients and cg placement for classic pattern models would be helpful. With an explanation of how to determine if for a given design, people could post the coefficients for different models with known handling qualities.

http://www.eaa62.org/technotes/tail.htm

This is something easy to control with a new design and the constraint to still look like a classic pattern ship.

Mitch