Interesting how everyone finds their own way with what they have available to them. I too tired of the guessing game and scribed each plate with the models that would fit. Some as much as 8 different models with one plate. I like the universal idea too as even my plates don't hit everything perfect though there is that wiggle room that allows a small bit of offset.
One thing I really like is the 5mm-8 Allen head cap screws I use which make adjustment a snap with just one wrench. I started with 100mm long ones and would just shim with oversize nuts for shorter cylinders. Now I have from 60mm up to 120mm in 10mm increments to take up pretty much everything.
One thing I did was helicoil all the holes so as not to strip if not all the way fully engaged into the plate, also got smarter(little) and make sure I use bolts that reach fully through, better to stick out the back then be short threaded. I can see where the threaded rod has it's advantage of being universal, but I like what I like and only have myself to satisfy.
Point being you're never wrong with what you build to machine with, even if it doesn't work it's called R&D to get you to make the thing that does work.
Idea sharing helps with this creativity and breads new ideas, like my sausage plate theory, just a funny or is it?...