As I've added more weight at the front end - dew shield on finder - illumination of the finder, electric focusser - and as I reduced the altitude bearing friction with new teflon and ebonystar laminate wrapped on the bearing, counterweights have become essential for balance. I wrapped my speaker magnets in felt to avoid scratching the scope. Screwed a piece of steelplate on the side of the base (opposite to the eyepiece racks) to hold them in place when not in use. The felt is also useful when (!) you drop them in the dirt and they pick up small magnetiseable particles. If all else fails, the felt can be taken off and particles shaken off.
The only problem - when the scope gets moist (which is does frequently as the dew settles!), the magnets/felt may well slip as you raise your altitude without thinking. I've learnt the habit of reaching for the magnet (whether it is there or not) if I'm going to significantly alter the altitude. I've also moved the magnet to the top of the scope at high altitude (either against the Finderscope doveplate, or against a small stop I've fitted to the underside of the top end. Currently nothing else on the scope (eg. encoders) to interfere with - but I wouldn't want to drop the big magnet onto the eyepiece rack!
