I shorted the pitch control rod about 2" from the delivered length. This allowed the bell crank that it is attached to to be located as far as possible from the cross member creating the interference. I have almost 9 degree of reverse pitch and almost 10 degrees before it hits the corssmember. This is with the rotor level while the lock is engaged.
Photo 1 shows the position of the bell crank with the lock on.
I shortened the rod enough that I almost got into the "rosette" welds. I decided that I would weld the ends up so as to strengthen the bond between the insert and the rod. This is shown in Photo 2. I am sure that this was not necessary but why not. Only issue was that I had to stay away from the internal threads. I welded it without a rod and then re-tapped it to make sure it was OK.
I sent an email to the factory asking about these measurements and they replied that they are going to be coming through the area at the end of April. I guess I have a date for the first flight.
