The rod should never be bent, even for clearance.
If there's no other way (that's what bell-cranks are for) it has to be really thick or throttle operation will just re-bend or unbend it.
will no let the Carters bottom out?
Does it over-travel (still have available motion after full throttle)?
Yes: lengthen the rod.
No: the rod isn't the problem, the ratio of rod travel to throttle shaft rotation is wrong.
