Ok

So I've received and installed the new lower and longer stem. Material difference to position already and actually feels pretty comfortable. I have the new crankset, but going to get my bikeshop to fit it. So some assumptions based on stem change alone:

When the new crank is installed, I'm going to raise a saddle a tiny bit, but estimate my hip angle will materially open up (looks a little closed in photo, but feels ok). I'll play around with the saddle as well and may even try an ISM, but will re-post first once I have the new crankset installed first.

https://imgur.com/PGPUDGk

However I would still like to extend my arm pads around 1 to 2 cm. This is not really possible with the current pads as already moved as far forward as possible. Secondly, I am ok with existing stem. So I am thinking about 2 options:
a) get some larger pads. The speedshop 51 pads are around 1cm longer and it looks like I could get a touch more distance based on the bolt pattern.
b) I was wondering if its safe to move the j bracket in front of the u bracket. Moving from position a to position b in the photo below. Is this a dumb idea? See photo for an example:
c) any other ideas?

https://imgur.com/w9oby74






Lastly, when I get the crankset installed, swap out the extensions to ski bends and swap arm pads out, I'll do a few rides first to see how comfortable the position is before re-posting new videos.