Bent Z Rod a problem?

I just got a pre-assambled RepRap Prusa i2 (Mendel), and one of my Z-axis rods are slightly bent. Video: [d.pr]
Is it worth it to try to straighten it out before I print more, or can I simply leave it?
The PLA prints that I am doing are consistently being knocked off by the hotend midway through printing. I tried a hotbed temp of 50 and 60C . The hotbed is uncoated/untaped glass. Do you think it is an adhesion issue or an axis rod issue?

Thank you

A bend in the z-axis rod should not cause your hot end to drag through the print and knock it off. It sounds more like an adhesion issue. If you have some masking tape / blue painter's tape lying about, try printing on a layer of that on top of the glass. If you've got some PVA glue, dilute it about 1:1 with water and paint it on the glass (my preferred solution).

Movement in the z-axis is more likely to cause banding in your prints than cause them to be knocked off the glass. Have you noticed any banding in what you've completed so far?

No. the prints look perfect. I cant post a picture right now, but they are sturdy and have a good consistency of line. I am using Pronterface, but I have no idea whether or not my z-offset is working. I have tried applying painters tape, but the hotend simply rips through it on the first layer. Any idea how to do that? I have tried hairspray, but it may not be the right kind.