RE: Any advantage to wood push rods?
Check them to make sure they are straight and use them. Obviously you'll want to check them for interference and stuff just like any other push rod. One thing I like to do is clean the wire portion really good with alcohol, scuff it with sandpaper and use a little epoxy where it inserts into the wood. Then put the supplied heat shrink over this. I just feel that it makes the joint a little stronger.