I am really surprised this didn't kick up

How long ago were full on dirt racing bikes (moto crossers) designed with 3-4 inches of suspension travel?:D
That is one example of how much has changed in engineering in the last 40-50 years.
I don't think that type of engineering was limited just to cars.

One thing I never liked about some of the retail connectors is that some are round or square.
Common sense will tell you a round or square tube will twist easier than a rectangle.
This was my thinking in using .085 wall 2x3 laying flat.
It also gave me a nice path for a fuel return.:D