FFF:Yep, the ground effect does make a difference in reducing the angle of attack but that can mean the machine needs a relatively short undercarriage rather than a long one. The landing attitude is less nose up for the same lift and drag that would apply at altitude, the opposite of what you've implied(?). I'm simply asserting that the stick need not necessarily be right on the back stop for a 3 pointer. For a given sink rate (approachin 0) and landing speed the weght of the machine will affect the angle of attack required which will in turn affect the landing attitude and stick position, all things being equal, since the flight path is essentially horizontal.