Yes it does but is same as repops being made these days.

I have another picture of a well known survivor AAR that shows the rod as straight.

Ok hear me out. What if there were shorter forks mixed in with what we believe is the correct length (or what's being sold as correct 10.88") and assembly just used either the flat or angled rod depending on which fork was installed. That theory may be blown due to the fact of the changing pivot points of the fork.

May be grasping here but it's fun learning about it. I do understand the idea of moving on and do know that it can simply be resolved but would still like to know if possible, Why.