Hotrodz mentions that stock end links "will work for a while but will not hold up to the abuse of the track an do not provide the rigidity that is needed with a stiff front bar."...how can I tell when the stock end-links are at risk and need to be replaced?

When they flop around and are real loose, or broken. The best way to check is to unbolt the one end from the bar. This takes the load off of it. And see how much play is in it. On the other end of the bar. You don't have to remove the one end as long as you don't bolt the one end together. And check to see how much play is in that end. Once you do that. Now you can bolt the one side back together.

Meats ladies

Welcome to the club :P

https://i.imgur.com/58dt44A.jpg