zope_pope,
the esc responds almost instantly to gyro commands. the little stock tail motor is always playing catch up because it lacks power & torque. to my knowledge nobody has upgraded the tail esc while using the stock 3n1 gyro (for good reasons too).

the most common way ppl improve a stock cpp tail is first getting direct drive, then a heading hold gyro. few ppl end up going farther than that with the blade's tail. there are expensive brushless tail options that most consider too extreme.

dougwill,
i use 50,000wt silicone oil for my plastic links, and synthetic 30wt motor oil for the metal parts in the swashplate. you can get it at most hobby stores. they sell the stuff as "diff oil" for 1/8th scale nitro buggies. you could also use lighter weight silicone shock oil; the stuff that's meant for rc cars and sold at most hobby shops. i like the heavier diff oil since it stays put longer so you don't have to lube as often. i don't play with my bearings since they're grease packed/maintenance free. i plan on replacing them when they go bad, which takes probably well over 100hrs of flight (i'm at over 75hrs with all brushless motors and mine are fine).