If you really canβt adjust to the forward position of the stick in cruise flight (it is correct though), you could make a Phantom specific VP config where you manually correct the calibration values so the the βmiddleβ position is more toward you.
With telemFFB you can load specific Vp configs automatically with each module. I strongly recommend to use it with the Rhino. It is easily 50% of the experience.
First timer too, just doing pedals and no stick. What I noticed is that the outer circle here indicating the center position in the F4 was further up the Y axis rather than centered. As soon as I jumped into another plane, it came back to center.
Probably to do on HB's side given that they use a different technique to all the other modules in the game to determine stick position. I'm yet to look through the special options menu.
I just can say that in many non-fly-by-wire Aircraft it is absolutely normal that the stick is trimmed forward in level flight. The faster you go the further it moves away from you.
Try to disable the stick force blending and see if it makes a difference. Only option that could be related as far as I can tell. By the way, the little diamond in the overlay is the trim position.
Two thoughts about your VP config settings. Why would you activate axis scaling and then put it to 100%? I'd recommend deactivating it. Second. Putting mastergain to 80 and spring gain to 100 is kind of inverted. It should be the other way round. There is very few reasons if any to touch master gain ever.
From a gameplay approach. Is there a particular speed and power setting (afterburner perhaps) where the uncommanded pitch up is particularly pronounced? Are you loaded heavily or lightly with fuel/weapons?
Just a random idea. There is a setting like "match controls at mission start" or something along those lines in the game options. What have you set there? Does it make a difference if you change it?
@EnvyC I totally missed that you only use FFB pedals. Has nothing to do with pitch problems then of course (assuming you haven't bound the pitch axis to the pedals ). Doesn't make much sense the to search in VP config for the culprit then..... maybe it is the combination of FFB on with a spring loaded stick that get's the F-4 confused. Rather unique to use FFB-pedals and no FFB stick......