limeyx:I'll also probably be at redondo next wed, and am glad to help out then too.
(Piranha -- PM me if you want to meet up and see if I can be any help)
Gee I'm glad to see this post since it was going to be my suggestion.
It sounds like im_a_piranha is the victim of a multi-varriant science experiment in buoyancy and had an intructor that did not delve into the physics of a good configuration or helping her zero in on a good personal set-up. An afternoon with a good mentor should do wonders. If that can't happen the follow the above advice.
Please believe that it can become effortless. Also accept that in cold water diving you will be adding considerable air to your BC to compensate for the loss of buoyancy as you take your neoprene into the depths. there is nothing wrong with that. Needless extra weight however is evil and will result in an unstable condition.
Pete