Looking for opinions on parts for my rebuild.

Stock rods are probably good beyond what you intend to do, providing they have good rod bolts and are prepped right. I don't understand why you are wanting to stay away from simply rebuilding the whole thing. Makes zero sense. Either do it right, or throw it in the garbage can. You want to do it a third time? What's rings and glaze honing gonna cost you? Almost nothing. Besides, all of it has to come apart anyway. Do it right.