I think Cyclic was suggesting something like what I do each and every flight. I check the control surfaces for proper direction and throttle operation as well. Then I prime the engine and reach for the starter and glow igniter. FWIW, I have never taken off with the servo direction reversed on anything as a result. I check the control surface direction and operation, maybe too often, before starting, after starting before taxiing, at the edge of the runway and again when I am lined up and ready to take off.

I have aborted flights on the runway after noticing control surface operation wasn't quite right even though 2-3 checks immediately prior showed no probs.

We all make mistakes and always will. We just need to be careful, or try to be.