moodier,

You're absolutely right, do it now before it rips out!
Your method (plywood) should be OK in place of the 4 dowels. Now, after you get your inspection mirror inside and see that the whole landing gear assembly is "floating" on the lite balsa stringers only, you will realize the need to tie the gear assembly vertically to the plywood "backbone" subframe that the cabane struts are mounted to. I used two 3/8" square hardwood pieces on each side epoxied to the gear mount on the bottom and to the ply "backbaone" at the top. This is what takes the shock from the weight of the entire airplane when the main gear touches down on landing.

It's better to take the time now to re-inforce the gear mount than to experience the disappointment when the gear folds up and rips the fuselage and lower wing. Other than this weakness, this is a great plane........hope you enjoy!

Gary