I think Quickdraw tries to use one casting and to drill/machine it differently for different transmissions where possible. Keeping it compact prevents the need to space out other items to make up the difference. The R2.8 seems to want to move the shifter into the heater with how far forward it sits, even more so than some V8s I have seen. The 60 series H55 mitigates this with a V8 because it is further back that the 40s top cover, but a 40 series 4 speed would definitely need it move. ICON goes even further back using AX15s or NV3550s according to their build videos.
Their original intent seems to have been to move the shifter aft to work with the R2.8. I had asked if they were doing 40 style top covers moving it forward and they said they had been looking at both