Carb conundrum

Says who?

Is the 340 that unique of an engine? OR is it really that advanced of a design?

No, I s'pose not. But is anything new under the sun?
An Eddy Performer is just a AFB in a new dress.
An Eddy "Thunder Series" is just an AVS with new shoes.
All the new Quick Fuel, Demon, etc carbs are just Holley knock-offs with a few extra farkles.
All these designs are 30+ years old.
The TQ was a brand-new design in 1970 giving it the edge over all the earlier Carter designs as well as a lot of the Holley designs.
Same with manifolds...the Weiand Action+Plus doesn't look any different than the stock spreadbore manifold...just a little lighter...

I just can't see reinventing the wheel for this. If you like that carb so much, stick it on a manifold meant for it. If you want a modern intake design, then run the carb it was meant to be used with.
In the end, you are probably right. Maybe I'll flip a coin...