is there a way to make the MSR stop attempting to level itself after you release the right stick from forward flight? For example, if I push the stick forward and hold it for forward flight, as soon as I release the stick to neutral, you can see the Heli attempt to put in up elevator or reverse control stick which makes it climb initially.

Can it be setup where it will continue the forward motion without trying to self level after releasing the right control stick?

The purpose of the right stick when it is center is to level the swash plate allowing the heli to hover. Short of removing the spring in the right hand control so that the stick remains in the position you set it, you could change the trim on the swash so there is always forward motion. But that's not the intent of these controls. You should learn to fly with the sticks if you ever intend on moving to a larger heli.

A shorter flybar will help greatly, there are many instructables around the interweb.