That is a bummer. I talked to them and was able to look at a completely painted new 40 series shell at SEMA this year. Clearly they put way more effort into the display product. But like you pointed out, it's a lot better than many of us have started with.
Well I can certainly swing a 4 pk. I have the OEM PTO winch mounted up there but it appears that it should "straddle" that. PM me if you decide to bring it back from KC and we'll work it out. I may even hit that mechanic of yours up to see if he can help plug some leeks in my tranny and transfer...