Some "Pacific Ring" kits and ARFs come with brittle pushrod wire that doesn't take bending very well. Also, it's usually 2mm, which is smaller than our standard 2-56 rods. These two differences can lead to problems securing it in an EZ connector. I'll bet the broken Z bend was the brittle rod.

Chuck makes a very valid point. EZ connectors work well, IF properly installed and maintained.

Dr.1