The gear is not weak. It looks weak but it's not. How do I know? Well I pancaked mine in from about 3 feet high when it stalled during a high wind deadstick into the weeds. The gear block ripped out but the actual aluminum was hardly bent at all. Don't worry about replacing it.

As for the CG issue, mine came out noseheavy as well with a Saito 72 and AAA 720nimh/RX just infront of the servo tray. I used Hitec 225s instead of standards. I will move the battery just behind the servos soon.

The plane flies awesome and is plenty fast with an APC 13x6, plus you cant beat the rocket like climb rate with this prop.

Filip