I'll do my best to make everyone happy, but it is the middle of the night, and I am tired.
A bending moment is present anytime a link is subject to a force that is not purely compressive/tensile (let's forget about torsion for the moment). As the Watt's link is a dynamic setup, the geometry, and therefore force direction will change as the system is placed in bump/rebound. The force will in many cases be applied to the link in a manner that is not directly in line with the centerline of the tube = tries to bend the tube. In the case of the Watt's linkages, this is not a big deal at all because the links are so short. For long trailing arms, it is more of an issue, and the exact same principle applies. It has nothing to do with the fact that it is linked by rod ends. As far as the geometry (i.e. link lengths, bellcrank dimensions), I stated previously that there really isn't any magic to the system, if you model the thing up in Solidworks and move it through travel, you will see what I mean. You have my permission to bring a tape measure and get the dimensions, but this is the sort of design specific info that I will not disclose, I am sorry if you can't understand why.
Again, not trying to sound evasive, but here is the answer to the roll steer, A/S, etc, versus ride height question. There are two adjustment holes for the lower control arms. There are three for the upper arm. There are four position to locate the Watt's linkage. Based upon the questions, it is clear that you understand that roll steer, A/S, SVSA are all completely interlinked, so for every iteration of ride height, there are 24 possible combinations. The ride height "range" was derived by looking at several typical cars. It basically encompasses a "low" height that is basically the same as Charlie Lilliard (Stielow built) "Mule," which we found is about an inch or so lower than my car. On the other end, Stuart Adam's beautiful car sits a bit higher. I do not have the specific numbers in front of me, but the basic range is of the order of 2 or so inches in variation, but you can go lower or higher, we just don't see a real need or reason. If you can give me a reference point of where you'd like to base the numbers, we can model the results and give "numbers." If I sound like a jerk here, I am not trying to be, but given the fact that there is infinite adjustment between the amount of ride height, well, the spreadsheet of values would get pretty long.
The lowest point on the suspension system is where the coil-overs mount to the axle. This point lies above the rim height of a 17" wheel, so if you curb the car, the wheel takes the hit (first). The lower Watt's mount on the axle is only a few inches below the axle centerline.
The design is complete, and it IS ready for public consumption. I am sorry if the answers I have given are not satisfactory, I probably left something out. I would ask that you at least give us the benefit of the doubt, or rather, ask the same questions of everyone who sells this stuff and is even willing to publicly disclose this type of information, and see what you get.
Thanks,
Mark
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