My computer is a lot heavier than it used to be, otherwise just as easy to move as before. Probably safer, a waterblock is a lot better than a TRUE for weight hanging off the motherboard.
Compression fittings are awesome. As long as they're machined competantly they remove a point of failure from your system, the joint just isn't going to leak. I'm using 11/8mm compression fittings, which I think is about as awkward as can be. Are you sure the error was on the part of the retailer, and not you ordering mismatched tubing and fittings?
At the op, I think you need to sort out your cable management, and set up the case fans sensibly. If this doesn't knock enough off your maximum temperatures, change to a better air cooler.
Watercooling is a lot of effort, and if you don't research it properly it goes wrong. That you're asking people to 'spec you' instead of excitedly running off and reading all about it suggests it might not be for you. Its fun working out how the components fit together, comparing how they each perform under different situations. Inclination to take short cuts is probably not a sign that water is a good call for you at the moment.
I mean no offense, not everyone things pumping water around a computer is wise. Stick with air until you're sure it can't cope with what you want from it. It's cheaper, and cools almost as well.
