Does having a VFG as far out as is comfortable necessarily mean better recoil control? Or can I run it a little further back without having to worry (it may not be as far forward as I can comfortably run it, but this location is the most comfortable).

Farther forward should mean more stability, due to the combined points of contact on the rifle being more spread apart.  However, if the foregrip is way out there, it might be more strenuous for you support hand to reach out that far for a length of time and tire your arm out, so there is a balance.  

In general, as far out as you're comfortable with is good, also taking into account possibly having to position the grip so as to not interfere with other attachments like a light, laser, etc. and be able to reach any switches for said items.

Depending on the real estate length of handguard to grip, I run them back just enough to where my support hand isn't being obstructed by the weapon light. Having a a near vertical pistol grip with the buttstock extended until it touches my bicep with my arm bent at 90 degrees, I can get closer to the furthest point I am comfortable with that gives me the fastest muzzle recovery.

I also don't grip the VFG like an actual grip either. I use it to brace at certain points on a barricade by either resting against my wrist while my hand is getting solid control of whatever it is I'm using, or clamping and resting the hand next to for stability against a wall. Standing, kneeling, or prone I use it as a stop and a rest to thumb break with with the thumb over bore.

That cleaner area behind the VFG makes for a great area for your support hand to be unobstructed shooting the way marksmanship used to be taught, by letting it rest on hand while shooting for groups or zeroing and using bags and a bipod to support it.

C clamp grip here…no need for a vfg in my opinion. I used to run a handstop but found that even that was not needed. Of course, this is on a 16” barrel with 14.5” hand guard.

Only time I’ve liked a vfg is on a sbr type setup or carbine length handguards.

Where is your light and/or switches mounted?

Light is in a 1:00 position. Right handed shooter. Still using a tailcap to activate the light.

Wrist pronation is real