Hey Gary,
I had the same problem with my F86. I thought it was little play,but mine was almost 1/8 inch up and down before moving the servo.
I found the problem to be the swivel ball links on both pushrods. When I took mine out, I put the screw in and I noticed that the ball inside was not tight
giving a little play, but when you combine both side of the pushrods, it was significant play at the elevators.
I changed both ball swivels, and the only play I have now is the servo play.
Hope this helps,
Hector