Russ,

I used the stock hardware and it works perfectly. Forget about what kind of connection they use and ask yourself when installed, is there any play? The answer is no, they are solid, firm and perfectly sized for this plane. I didn't tighten the lock nut so tight that it wouldn't swivel (though a little firm), what I did was use a drop of CA to make sure it doesn't back off. I did replace the tail wheel because I don't like the weight of the plane on the rudder (I switched to a Sullivan) but other than that, all stock with 25+ flights on and no issues...

Jack