I may not be qualified to respond since I dont consider myself a pro builder, but I have to ask, are you saying the rods are so thick that they wont bend? Or is it that they dont fit in the servo arm holes?
I was once told that if they wont fit, then it is acceptable to heat the end of the control rod, then insert it thru the hole thus melting the plastic and makein a clean, but slightly enlarged hole, allowing a Z-bend to work. I have done this to many aircraft and had good luck without any mishaps.
I am sure that more seasoned flyers will correct me if this is not really the right way to solve this problem, but like I said, it has worked fine up to this point.