I was always told its a good idea to offload the stab first, (or tailplane dependent on type) to prevent tipping the aircraft, especially if you are already a little taily... Sure an inch or two wouldnt make a difference, but I have seen up to a foot of wet, heavy snow on tailplanes before and wouldnt mind hazarding it could tip the aircraft if there wasnt much in it...
Then again, I am probably talking hoop, so please ignore me!
