Regarding rudder, I also agree that it depends very much on type. Many taildraggers the tailwheel and rudder are linked by springs so operation of the rudder is doable. Some types (Grummans, Shadows...) have a castoring nosewheel so a full check on the rudder is no problem. On the other hand in, say, a C172 or a PA28 yes, rudder/nosewheel on taxi.
I also make a point of moving the control surfaces by hand whilst looking in the cockpit (or with the aileron, at the other aileron) to ensure there's no unwanted freeplay in the system.
And ALWAYS check that everything (but especially the ailerons) goes the right way, particularly if you fly gliders or microlights, which may well have been de-rigged then re-rigged between flights.
Bigger than *most* of us fly, but hydraulics changes the whole game of-course. Ditto FBW.
G