RE: z-bends or quick connects
Quick connectors are great stuff but inherently risky if you are not careful. Z bends will not fail you. After all these years I only had 1 quick connector failure, that was due to my fault, was hasty and did not use any tread lock on the screw below. I have used them on foamies to 90 sized planes with not issues. I would say if you can, use a Z Bend on the elevator.