Possible kick down solution!

The linkage should stay eye to eye through out its travel. The slot in the arm is a safety thing incase the trans linkage gets stuck the throttle can still return. You are getting to involved here. . Just put a spring from the linkage pivot to the throttle pin for a return of the linkage. Looks like your trying to re-invent the wheel and you made it square. LOL
Exactly and mean while, you're damaging your transmission because it doesn't have any throttle valve pressure until you floor it.