PS re recent few posts above-- there might be a correlation between your not getting that stick well aft while thermalling, and your experience of rarely gaining altitude while thermalling! When you are at a safe altitude, gently take it all the way to the stall buffet while thermalling, and then back it off a bit.

Then try the exact same thing at the same bank angle, when no longer in the thermal. If you are expecting some difference in airspeed, pitch attitude, or stick position, then you might be surprised at what you discover.

S