My purpose in modifying the shape like that is twofold. I can use tree identical wings that are easy to cut with hot wire or build with ribs and spars, so it's cheap to make larger versions. I also notice that in larger sizes the swept-back canards become very floppy. This shape gives me straight, uninterrupted spars in all three wings. I want to make shorter wings next time, and move the canard further out. Wingspan on this version is 20" and length from trailing edge to leading edge is 16". I want to do 18"x18" next.
The difference at the LUNAR launch is wind, mostly. It was strong, and I launched into it rather than downwind as geography had forced me in my local park. The glider did a half inside loop right off the rod. Perhaps a longer rod would produce a different result.
Ari.