I certainly agree that final trim (including balance) is based on actual flying characteristics, but "balance" at the recommended CG as well as laterally is probably an appropriate starting point. I also agree that the side mounted engine requires very little weight in the opposite wing. The idea of deliberately "unbalancing" the airplane laterally seems strange to me. I guess I overlooked the caveat about aerobatic airplanes when I read the article.

Thanks for the pylon racer perspective. I did not know that they did that.

ChiefK