RC airplane setup - Center of Gravity

by Brumac

How can I set the center of gravity properly?
I will mark the desired center of gravity point under each wing and then use those two points as pivot points for balancing the airplane. I will then add or subtract weight forward or rearword as needed to make the aircraft balance with the fuselage in a generally horizontal attitude for level flight. My questions are:

What measure do I use to recognize when the proper horizontal attitude has been achieved? For example, should the leading and trailing edges of the wing lie in the same horizontal plane? Should the stabilizer be horizontal (my stabilizer is a flat sheet)?

What are the pros and cons associated with a nose-heavy and tail heavy balance?

Thank You