Mind saved! Well for the time being anyways.
Trans was put into position with guide pins on bottom mounting holes until input shaft was through disc. Guide pins removed after two bolts started very slightly up top. Trans would not just slap right up to bell so lower bolts were loosely installed and all bolts slowly tightened while checking evenness of distance between trans face and bell opening. After a bolt was slightly tightened, the remaining would be finger tight and brought up to match the others. Weight was taken off the mounting ears by holding up trans tailshaft housing slightly. No significant force was required to get trans face flush to bellhousing.
So easy, right? If only, sheesh.
Thanks for all tips,
JB