Brad, I think that after the extensive reloading experience that Crome/22 has decribed in his OP, he is fully aware of all of the "tricks" you described. Believe it not, many folks out there actually prefer a rifle that is a little weight forward / muzzle heavy. It tends adds greater stability in windy conditions, less felt recoil due to the heavier barrel weight, and increased balistic performance at longer ranges.

I'm not sayin' that I know more than you about this subject, just relating back on my 40 some years hunting and then twenty some years building custom long range target rifles.