It all depends on the application, Stick car needs a fore-aft for sure to keep the clutch linkage in check. I use Andy's plate and a fore-aft limiter with rod ends attached to the K-member back to the side bolt on the blow shield and it keeps my clutch adjustment constant.
I had a conversation with Herb McCandless about this and he told me the the block will have less stress if you use a motor plate something about the block being pulled on the skirt near the main centerline.

Gus