It is nice to see that people are still building the Kavalier. It is a really nice flying airplane. I have one with the .46ASP and it lands better than a trainer. It has single servo in the center of the wing so no flaperons, and the ailerons go to the tips.

If I were to build another one I beleive I would cut the tips the same as you have. What motor mount came with the plane? Looking at the blind nuts it looks like it is set up for the aluminum motor mounts, and may not work with the newer mounts.

Another place I changed from the plans is that I did not cut out the top leading edge section in the center to mount a pilot. I went for maximum strength.