Alright guys, please feel free to keep commenting, but this is the route I've decided to go.
I talked to the last shop that worked on it, and I trust his opinion. I talked to my dad, who used to be my wrenching partner (but is now well into his 80's and neither of us like crawling around on the garage floor anymore).
I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that a stock m/c, adjustable pushrod and either a distribution block or T fitting will get me back to safe, adequate, dependable braking. The car is a 6 cylinder and a cruiser.
Man, I hope I'm not throwing my money away again! I'll keep you posted.