The 10 gpp rule is a pretty time tested starting point. Some get by with less, some bowyers require it right around there. Try playing with either Stu Millers or 3 Rivers Archery spine calculators. The 3 Rivers one was in part built by Stu Miller I believe only its free and theres nothing to download. Two words of caution, 1) enter everything in exactly true. Test your draw length, be sure on center cut, etc. 2) its a starting point, not the gospel. It cant accurately factor in how clean your release is, wind, etc. For many people (myself included) its a great tool that is pretty on the spot. YMMV. By bumping up point weight yes, you will effectivly weaken the spine, add weight, and increase FOC. Theres no draw back within reason. (Loading 350 grains up front will kust nose dive your arrows, etc). Carbons can handle a good bit of weight up front. Heavier arrows quiet the bow and stabilize better. Studies also show that up to a certain point a heavier arrow is more efficient, even travel further. Start with the calculator and a test pack of heavier tips or just play with tip weight on the calculator. With carbons, length is everything. 1/8" or 1/4" of cutting a carbon back can realllly change the spine (ask me about my pile of carbon shafts in the corner of my garage, haha). Good luck and my last bit of advice, dont get too stressed with it yet. If you get frustrated, put it down and come back in a day or so. Tuning (or master-tuning) arrows is not for the timid. Use the search function here on tradgang and read, read, read before any major changes - i.e. Any cutting. Good luck!