Lowflyer281,

Please don't take this question the wrong way, but are you sure that linkage is for the elevator? The reason is that I've put together my fair share of ARF's and I've never seen the linkage so far out of line with the control horn. My first impression is that the control rod you are showing is for the rudder and not the elevator. Is there a hole in the rear of the fuselage on the other side of the plane?

As for your second question, there are quite a few different types of connectors for connections to the batteries and it's a matter of personal preference. Personally, I've always used Deans Plugs for my ESC to battery connections. If you have batteries without a connector as well, please remember to ALWAYS put the female connector on the battery and NOT the ESC.

David