Actually you only need enough build up on the 4-40 rod to allow the the heatshrink on the dowel to be able to grip the rod diameter. The failure looks to be a classic section transition type of failure.
As others have said vibration damping and a higher strength material will also help. Gradual section transition will be the easiest approach.
Sure a lot easier than a rotating counterbalance design for the Sachs.
The ten ft. high pullout looked more like 6 ft. or less to me. The landing however was as the smoothest Xwind touchdown that I have seen.