I'm sure that every KRnet reader is glad that you are here telling the story as a lesson learned. The only point that I will make is that, a lot of builders are installing belly boards or speed brakes and the motivation is that they want to slow down. Flaps provide drag, will rotate the nose over for better visibility, but also provide lift. When my flaps are accidentally forgotten while doing hasty pattern work, the result is that I climb steeper at a slower speed. Whereas a forgotten speed brake only provides drag.
Orma Southfield, MI N110LR Tweety, old enough to drink this year Flying and more flying, to the gathering or bust http://www.kr-2.aviation-mechanics.com/
