I think it is an great choice for a beginner in that it is very stable and predictable as long as it is set up soft. The only draw back I see for a beginner is the cost to repair compaired to say a 450.

As for building tips and tricks, I second the thought about the 2 in 1 reg. Get the version that comes with the 1900 mil LiPo battery it will save a few bucks over getting it sep.
Also, I would pick up the Align servo arms/wheels for the three Cyclic servos, that makes the linkage geometry come out perfect the first time.
For fueling ease I would get one of the three way filters and also do away with the fuel line pinchers that came with the kit. K&S and others make some that are much easier to use. I also like to use a line plug in the fill line in addition to the line pinch for added Security. An unexpected auto due to the pinch failing could be a disaster for a beginner.
I also like the Align Gyro mount since you are using the 611. That sets the gyro over the two servo's up front, and it puts the gyro under the canopy and out of the oil bath.
As far a breakin the 50 hyper has plenty of power even when running on the rich side, I would just go with a rich setting for the first gallon of so while you are learning to hover. Also if you know any heli pilots with experience it would be a good idea to have them do a few full throttle pulls when you are setting the needles after the breakin to make sure it doesn't go lean on full throttle.

The metal upgrade parts are great. That being said, I have never had an issue with the plastic parts, they seem to be fine as long as you are careful not to over tighten during assembly. For the ball links that thread into plastic, I like to carefully thread them in until they just bottom out to cut the threads. then back them all the way out and apply a small amount of medium CA to the ball link threads per the manual then thread them back in until snug. I have never had a problem doing it this way.

One thing to look out for when building, is that the pre-assembled parts need to be checked, especially the fan/clutch assembly and washout levers into washout base. They are normally just put in finger tight with no locktite.