HelisRule - My opinion, for what it is worth. Don't move the arms in on the servos. I tried it on mine and within days I had them back out. I think the most significant mod is to add the wheel collars to the flybar and position them next to the paddles as Douglas mentioned. One advantage to collars is that as you improve you can start to bring them into the center. Also, and I know this is scarier, if you can hover around waist high for a minute or two and you can hold position without hitting anything, take off the training gear. I had to out of necessity on mine (broken) and I flew it some anyways. Had some close calls, a few crashes and hard landings but I found that when my parts come in and I got my new heli (axe under warranty) up I was sloppier with the gear on. I had planned on using gear when I started the side in orientations but the bird was harder to control. It just seems freerer to manuever and you will (by necessity) learn to increase power to get it back up and then regain control.
It is nerve racking at first but I think you will surprise yourself once you realize that you can fly it without gear. Mind - this is my opinion only - use your own judgement but i do think the collars will be all you need to tame it down. Good luck with your bird.
One other point for any and all esp new pilots. I got a Simulator and it definately increased my ability. I put off for months thinking I could buy another bird for the cost of the Sim. Yep, I got about the cost of a Sim in spare parts to fix my crashes and I do still have a good supply on hand. The funny thing, I haven't needed the spare parts NEARLY as much since I used the sim. It works, get a Sim.
Amen and Hallelujah, pass the plate and crank up the choir - I am through preaching now.