RE: Sig Citabria Build
There is nothing wrong with using the bell crank set up. Problems arise from slop developing between the nylon bellcrank and the pushrods which are usually attached with a Z bend. The solution is to use connectors that bolt to the bellcrank. My suggestion is the Dubro ball links. If you opt not to use the bellcrank, making holes in the ribs does not weaken the structure if done properly. The method is to clamp the ribs together sandwiched between some light ply to prevent blowout. Buy a forstner bit, it's the proper way to make that type of hole.
Good luck with the build.