If the current shifter setup indexes the shift lever correctly on the transmission, and it functions correctly (the tranny), then that setup should be just fine!
In fact, I'm surprised we don't see more aftermarket shifter workarounds (either hurst, speedway, B&M, lokar, etc.) for this kinda stuff.
But the back up light actuation, nss actuation, and kickdown actuation on the bw trannys is entirely different from the torqueflite 727 stuff used on later IH apps, so don't let the discussions regarding those confuse ya, we're talkin' two entirely different transmission setups here! And the bw 11 requires a functional vacuum connection to it's "modulator" component, so that is always a problematic "vacuum leak" point on this old stuff when the po virus has struck!
The torqueflite tranny requires no vacuum interaction at all, so again, ya can't compare apples and oranges on these Scout autotrannys.