TheDoppleganger

I think they should keep it simpler, and allow you to spend $ on lobbying the Kerbal government for bigger objectives with bigger payouts and a funding multiplier for mission completion. Additional contracts with Kerbal Konglomerates to put satellites in geo-synch orbit over certain areas, and stuff like that would be cool though. A better reputation = cheaper lobbying and a funding bonus for mission completion.

Balance seems to be your issue. For jets, the most important thing you can do, is place your Center of Lift, JUST behind your Center of Mass. If your Center of Lift is BEHIND your center of mass, the more stable and slow moving it will be. If your Center of Lift is ON TOP of your Center of mass, your ship will be twitchy and extremely maneuverable (and easy to throw into an uncontrollable spin.) If your center of lift is IN FRONT of your center of mass, it's unlikely you're going to get off the ground at all.