DrEntropy,
That's just the kind of advice this forum is great for, as there is no substitute for personal experience!
I've never seen that BMC tool referenced, just the brackets. Seems like the "tool" would be much safer in that it fixes the two brackets together preventing individual "levering" on the studs. Seems easy enough to make with a threaded stud and welder.
Of course with this set up you can't use a load leveler to tilt your engine/trans to assist with installation, so I'm not sure what' easier.
Thanks!
Fred