My connectors are like the ones shown on Ralph Hoehn's Pouch website,
http://www.pouchboats.com, pin-in-the-hole-then-twist (BTW thats me in the Venezuelan pictures). They are all metal, but I guess I got an early version where they are not made of stainless steel hence the rust.
Right now I am trying to combat the rust and prevent more by using the marine spray lube on the connectors. This makes them easier to twist too.
I am planning on getting a Dremel and wire brush attachment to clean the rust then painting the connectors with marine-grade paint.
The rusting connectors is my biggest gripe of the boat. Otherwise I like it. In fact, the more I paddle it, the more I like it.
Ralph was trying to convince me to get the RZ96 a few years ago, but I have an older Klepper Aerius II Expedition that is in good shape right now.