smkrcflyer, mechanicals are the hardest to set up for some one with no experience. i understand your frustration. pretty much u need to find a pattern flier they use mecanicals cause they are lighter and will know how to set them up.
as for a more robust lock down, the retracts have a cam (the part the strut comes out of) and a follower, actuator (the part the pushrod is attached to) . zip tie the actuator to the retract frame on the side you want it on.
Joe