Hi Av8tor,
Your first pic is very close to how I now envisage my throttle linkage as both the engine and carb orientation are like mine.

I'm attempting to add pics of my engine so you can see my setup. Hopefully you can see them here and they aren't too big.

What I intend to do is extend the lower standoff by adding a metal sleeve. The sleeve will become the mount/pivot for the bellcrank. Then a conventional setup back into the fuselage.