Ralph, I did not intend to use that connector, I was using it to get an idea of the rod length.

Shaun, If you dont mind clarifying, When you say straighter is better... Are you reffering to simple rules of force distribution and geometry? Or something else?

I need to have 0 play in this system or I cannot sleep. If a non-straight connection will have any play AT ALL I will use the blocks.

Thanks, Pete