I think John Ousterhout is probably correct about these rods relating to a dump function for the aux tanks.
It's true we lack the 'linkage' between the rods and 'rather generic' dump valves shown in the Harney drawings, but the layout of these rods is highly suggestive of something to be actuated from the cockpit in a hurry, although somewhat necessarily contrived the way they are. The 'knobs' may have been inadequate for AE's grasp from her seat, and the handles may have been an afterthought but good means for her to get a better grasp. They could also conceivably be grasped by FN who might scoot forward on top of the tanks to do so, if necessary by AE's request (but from cockpit would be the primary idea, I think).
What bugs me is safety - how do you avoid inadvertant actuation? A couple of thoughts - there may have been a substantial throw, or travel, required of the rods to actuate the valves. There could have been a distinct over-center arrangement to keep the mechism soft-locked until a firm pull appied. There also could have been break-away wire somewhere, out of our view so far.
Just ideas - but dump actuation does seem most likely IMHO. I would love to see that model.
LTM -