I think the biggest thing you need is weight up front. With 2-3 of us, we run a 750 + whatever will fit in a 400 in the rear, middle full and a 400 in the bow (on the floor between the seats). Last couple weekends we've been getting a nice long, super clean wake.

Wake plate is really subjective, depending on the riders, wind, etc. Sometimes I change it for a better wake even when just swapping out one rider for another, or having someone in the very back seat as opposed to the transom.

With more people, I just use the 750 in the rear, middle full and 400 up front. My recommendation for the easiest to start from where you is to get a smaller sac for up front and pile all of your people in the back. I havent had good success using people up front. Weighting the front will increase the length of your pocket or sweet spot, making it easier to get longer runs.

It may be illegal, but if not, getting someone right on the transom makes a pretty big difference.

About all of us have been frustrated with the wake for one reason or another. You just have to have some good ballast available, people that are willing to move around for wake and time to perfect it.