test

That's a difficult question, Anna. The placement can vary, and I can't explain the rules. (Perhaps someone else will be able to.) Your first two sentences "...was very much based..." and "...was based very much..." are both correct. (Your third sentence, putting "very much" at the end, is wrong however.)

In your second example, it is correct to say "very much pleased", but the other two versions are wrong.

That's a difficult question. The placement can vary, and I can't explain the rules. (Perhaps someone else will be able to.) Your first two sentences "...was very much based..." and "...was based very much..." are both correct. (Your third sentence, putting "very much" at the end, is wrong however.)
In your second example, it is correct to say "very much pleased", but the other two versions are wrong.

Actually, neither of your sentences is right. 'Based' is a past participle used to form the passive voice, and 'pleased' is a participial adjective, synonymous with 'happy' or 'glad.' So I would say

The program was largely/primarily/heavily based on outdated political ideas.
and
I was very pleased to meet her.


Here are some examples with an active verb:

I very much appreciate your help.
I appreciate your help very much.
We very much enjoyed the concert.
We enjoyed the concert very much.

The position before the verb is a little more formal and polite, but both are perfectly correct. No other positions are possible in these sentences.

Okay, on reflection the first two of your sentences are not impossible, but I still wouldn't say either is the best way to express the idea.