I agree with staggerwing, glue the ribs. I also noticed the omission, but since Goldberg was in the process of closing (and purchased by someone else) I didn't bother to talk to them, and considering the fact that I couldn't even get any replacement parts for the stuff that was missing originally! Good thing I was building two at the time, as I had a pattern at my disposal.

Built mine (and two others) with retracts, so I can't comment on the gear blocks. I will tell you that the supplement for the retract version has some instructions wrong, so make sure you study the plans and the supplement. As I recall, it had something to do with the placement of the rib doublers relative to the retract mounts.

My rudder and elevator feel fine. In fact the elevator is a little touchy, must be where I have it balanced at. You will love this airplane.