You're quite correct angles are very important when movement is missing or slight, the stock was very plain to start with..but for the price that is the challenge and a great entry to learn with, when started I was going for a heavy bias branch one side and then changed direction and shortened it and now bringing some growth opposite as per drawing...might stand it up a tiny bit too?
Remember we don t need too much branching on little ones Mark, as my pine collection goes to shohin now...but my figs are being made larger hmmm
ps...seed grown pines in young are the way for a lot better taper most times too Mark, but price and availability........ Happy Easter to you and your family....cheers Mate