RE: How much gap is too much
I think it should be OK. Just be on the lookout for flutter during your initial flights. If it happens , cut power immediately. And don't go straight for the dive bomb test either. Ramp up your speeds and descents gradually. If you start having flutter, then take it home and fix it. Elevator flutter can disconnect your clevis, so use one with a locking clip. It can also strip the gears in your servo or even jam it, so there is some risk invovled, but I think its unlikely with 3mm.