Riverrock,
I have just PM'd you. Hope it helps! I certainly find the laminated smaller half mil much easier in the cockpit, and that was my instructor's recommendation.
I don't pretend to be an expert, but heavy holding of the stick was one of my problems, so perhaps try a lighter touch on the stick to prevent the back pressure? As has been proved to me, if the aircraft is fully trimmed, it'll fly along quite nicely, giving you more time to look at the chart. Also, another tip my instructor gave me, if you hold the chart up against the stick/yoke, orientated in the direction of flight, you will be able to have a light touch on the controls, whilst trying to find your way....
Just a thought, please discuss this with your instructor as I say, i'm no expert, this is jsut what I have been taught and find helpful.
Rgds
GQ