Dude, I have put together many warbird ARF's, and I know exactly what you are talking about. My VQ Zero, Kyosho Zero and GSP Hellcat all have the same set up. Even though there is someplay in the elevator, the Zero's have no elevator flutter with the stock wooden pushrod. A little play in the elevator will not cause flutter. I have eliminated most of the play in the Hellcat with a Dave Brown rod, so give the Dave Brown rod a try first.