Suspended Ceiling and Duct Conflict

If I were doing it and was faced with that dilemma I might cut it ONLY where the duct is leaving enough room for the tile obviously and make little sheet metal tabs and attach the frame to the side of the duct using small self tapping screws just for the extra support. So you would screw the tab to the duct, twist it to line up with the frame and attach...............if that makes sense.

That is if I'm understanding correctly.

Is it worth it for an extra inch or so, I dunno, lol.