I’m about 99% sure you are correct. It comes into contact with the remote valves, not much, but I don’t think it takes much the crack that cast metalGreat pics, but without the hydro-top link in place, I can only guess.
My guess is "Hoses fittings and couplers".
Might want to look into the positioning of those lower remotes, or put a bit of an extension on that top link cylinder .
Two things trying to occupy the same space at the same time.
Can you spin the hydro top link end for end and gain anything?