Great summary Denny!
It's great to see all the issues presented at one time, instead of broken up into several different threads. Thanks for putting it all together!! BTW, I'm with you, if starting over again, I would definitely go with a bracket! The 23' WA will eventually get a bracket.
I would add one thing, make sure the bracket matches the transom angle, otherwise, the platform will not be level.
And to reiterate, watch motor weight. My 427 lbs Suzuki 140 4 stroke is has heavy as you want to go on a bracketed 20'cc.
Lloyd