Sure, no problem. This is also an option.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wireless-Deans-T-Plug-Female-connector-to-XT60-Male-connector-Lipo-NiMH-Adapter-/111684166780?hash=item1a00e5247c:g:DQsAAOSwZVhWTZUw
Maybe do some research into this. The price has been reduced significantly, they originally sold for $1000. Looks like a good value now at $299.
http://www.helimaxrc.com/quadcopters/hmxe0863-form500/index.html
Does the different ESC also have SimonK firmware? And the way that radio is beeping your flight controller has probably disarmed (a safety feature) as it's been idle too long.
CF is good at blocking signals. Maybe you can figure out a way to get the PCB a little higher on your frame. Have you tried holding your TX at different angles? As an experiment try taking off nose in and fly backwards (keeping your altitude low) while holding your TX vertically