I would not consider the engine too heavy or to light but rather question how and where it was checked for cg. Remember the 140 I put in the Laser was 4lbs heavier than normal installations but the cg said it was balanced after placement of electronics. After a few flights I feel it flies slightly tail heavy as noted by how the tail sets low on a level landing approach.
Yeah sticks are awesome, the bad part is Big Block, heavy car and a stick, adds up to broken parts if you drive it like it was made to. And whats the point of having it if you never work the right pedal.
Automatics are way easier on parts, at least until you start using a Transbrake, those are pretty hard on equipment too. 
Wow that would drive me nuts. Standing in front of a plane of that magnitude and not knowing what just happened. And on top of that if you build another one the same thing can happen again. Man I would like know was I the idiot with bad flying skills or did I build a bad plane or the radio system fail. That would be hard to except.
It strange some times how small things show how different our lives are relative to were we live. I would never think of having my tools outside. It just be to cold and I would not be able to use them for 6 to 7 months a year. Looks good and boy would it be nice to do all my sanding outside that alone would save a lot cleanup time in the shop.
Doug, have you considered Carbon Fiber gear? Or does anyone out there even make after market CF landing gear these days? I know of a few that have come and gone. I was just thinking how much lighter they would be yet probably much more forgiving.
