I have not used the HH plugin for the Piccoboard, but as I understand, it does not give the heli true HH performance.
Order the CNC ARL, Aluminum hub, Bearings and start working through Radds steps. The BiS does help with control accuracy (small improvement)
The bearings probably don't help with flyability, just prevent wear that will lead to sloppyness in the controlls.
Make sure the linkages are friction free.

Do you have a spot indoor to practice? Micro FP helis do not like wind.
Oh, I painted some of the linkages bright yellow to be able to find them if the head popped off in a crash. You can see them in this pic of my Moth conversion.
http://www.vinceherman.net/rc/Moth2.JPG

Two of my brothers also fly Piccolos, and they got tired of repairing the landing gear. I read about a DIY Landing Gear project ans we tried it. Fantastic results!!!
http://www.vinceherman.net/rc/LG.jpg
They absorb impact rather than transfering it to the frame. If it bends, you can easily bend it back with your hands.