The opening in the elevator servo tray is offset. I assembled the pushrods as per the photos and almost installed them upside down. The tray offset in my manual's photo is reversed. I flipped the pushrods over and then realized that I had to loosen the collar set screws, so I could spin the collars to where I can reach the set screws to check for tightness occasionally.

I made adustments to elevator rods by gently giving them a slight outward bend from the fuselage. They seem to move with more freedom now. A guy at my club said they'll probably move more freely as they break in with use. The graphite powder seems like a good idea. Thanks. I don't have any, but maybe I'll put some baby powder in the sleeves.