Someone gave me an updoot on the above post, reminded me about this thread.
Damond sent it back, lack of time. Think I figured out why the shifter handle (the part that slides up and down for reverse) is so sloppy; it looks like there's a part missing inside at the bottom that would fully stabilize the handle. Fixing this would drastically reduce slop and make slapping it down past the lockout much easier; that would handle two complaints. I'll be getting some measurements this weekend for something that should, in theory, help (as well as maybe doing a test with some modified washers to bear this out); I already have someone on the line to create a part based on those measurements (which I will open source in case someone else needs it).
As for the cable issue, I think some adapters can be made for this, but those will likely be pricey CNC'd bits.