I'm new to the G11G too.? I agree with your approach and with Brian's thoughts too.? Just sharing some personal nuances and hope you don't mind.
If accurately polar aligned (within 30 arc seconds)?and synced on West and on East all objects should appear within a low power eyepiece.? ?Assuming the mount axis are ridged and set perpendicular (a given). And assuming the West side and East side offsets correct for the saddle/tube cone error as intended.
I'd check the clutches and the polar adjustment locks.? The motors are quite capable of moving an imbalanced load to the point the clutches slip without notice.? Likewise, a bit of torquing against a lose hold down knob can create an alignment issue as the evening progresses (been there).
