Not sure what the issue is but I always take off with HH set. I use a 3 position TX switch OFF/HH/RM. I set HH up in the middle position so in panic mode all I have to do is move the switch in either direction to get full rudder control.
Typical takeoff routine is - power up the TX (switch in off mode), Power up the planes electronics & let the gyro initialize. Taxi out to takeoff position then switch the gyro to HH mode, power up and takeoff. As the plane breaks ground switch back to OFF mode for normal rudder use. I typically don't use rate mode.
Have 6 tail draggers running rudder gyros.
Some very good rudder gyro threads
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_60..._1/key_/tm.htm
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1035605