RE: pushrod assembly
I would rather use a continuous wire that goes from point A to point B instead of a "Chop Stick" type pushrod.
The chopstick pushrod has been proven to work in mediocre performing / medium powered aircraft..even some higher performing models, but I'd still rather go with a continuous wire that has simple balsa wood guides that it passes through every 6 inches or so.
I think the unsupported mass of a chopstick pushrod can contribute to premature flutter.