I agree that the later__diaphragm sprung__clutch covers (aka pressure plates) are an improvement over the Long-style actuator, but one must be very careful installing one in any non-standard setup to prevent the spring from going over center, which can fracture it. In the BJ 7/8 and assuming all the correct associated parts, there's less worry, but still prudent to check.
If your method of actuation, via depressing the pedal, allows the spring to pass through center, then a clutch pedal stop should be used. Once the clamping is released, there's no benefit to additional travel anyway, and theoretically, you could shift faster (well, de-clutch & clutch faster, we're still at the mercy of whatever gearbox is in use).