Yeah, I built the kit a few years ago. I was worried about the same thing but thankfully they didn't break off during painting. They're stronger than they look, still I agree- some weird engineering there. 

Could this be part of a solution?

http://ultracast.ca/products/Vector/48%20Scale/VDS48-086/default.htm

I just used that kit for a donor for wings and empannage of an XP-47H (vacuform fuselage conversion).  I found no way to put the gear in later, so I painted it and stuck it in before gluing wing halves together.  I then had to mask the gear with low tack tape. It worked okay- I was able to remove it without damage.  I stuffed tissue into the wheel well to mask that area.

Don,

Thanks for the advice. I plan on finishing the airplane with Bare Metal Foil. I plan on foiling both sides of the wings except for the leading edge. At that point I'll install the landing gear and glue the wings togther. Then I'll foil the leading edge. That way there will be less of a chance of breaking the landing gear.