the hole in the peddle where the pin goes could be elongated, I had to weld mine up and re drill, and yes you can put spacers between the slave cylinder to move it toward the rear, probably get some comments about me suggesting doing that, but its would be the same as making a new fork rod and longer or getting the one thats adjustable. I put one nut inbetween the plate and the slave, and it works fine, great peddle feel and release in a good spot, just make sure you still have some play and your release bearing is not putting pressure on the clutch. Second if you shift into second and go from second to reverse you should stop the reverse grinding, also give it a few seconds before you go from second to reverse, main reason the reverse gears getting chewed up. I put a new slave cylinder on and have no issue, I have a brand new MC but have not installed it yet.
Hondo