Thanks for the reply - I experienced the running out of backward trim on final, according to the numbers we were right at the forward c of g, although I suspect the CFI was telling porkies about his weight!
It really was a stable platform with lots of room and great views - ideal for bring along friends and well-wishers for their first experience. Its just a bit of a shame I'll have to be imaginative with how many I can bring and where they can sit! The best I can muster with full tanks is me in the front and two in the back - I'll look a bit like a glorified taxi driver in that case.
It seems a bit of a daft way to design an aeroplane that can be safety flown single pilot with full tanks, but I'm sure I couldn't do much better!
I'm taking some folks 'leaf peeping' in the Adirondacks (upstate NY) this weekend, so it looks like it's back to the 172 for now as I can throw four of us in at with full tanks and still be legal!
Cheers,
Gareth.