On the clevis's be careful. I don't know if they use metric or SAE hardware. You can not mix or they will slip on the threads and crash.

Z-bends are good. L bends can also be used if you use something like these:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAZC3&P=0

You can also use ball links like these:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXD897&P=7

The connection method that comes standard with the plane works too or they would have changed it by now. Be careful not to over-modify until you are familiar with the products. Yes, I know you can get familiar by using them.

UT? Never been there. Best school in Texas I hear.

DDS? Dentist?[:@]

The single most important thing to do is find a nice club and a good instructor. You haven't mentioned these so I thought that I would.