Hehe..love the quote above about confidence exceeding ability...truest words in aviation.
As a civvie pilot (albeit one who displays ex-military aircraft) I have to say trim stab, there really are those that have and those that will...if they do enough of the right sort of flying.
Never forgotten the gear in me jet but one time after a particularly challenging display practice...well, let's just say I was grateful for the voice from the tower "Check greens".
To deny the possibilty of it happening to you...well, see the quote above.
Cheers