Regarding the brake line feed location. I believe the original design was meant as a retrofit installation - relacing the bungee gear, and to make the running of the brake lines easier, the top aft location for the fittings was to pretty much duplicate the original bungee gear tubing run.

There is no spring input to separate the brake pads. Yes they are tight, but that is standard operation. It doesn't seem to affect brake wear.

Lowell