I think the design looks like it's going in too many different directions. The bash plate seems out of place on a bike that will probably only see pavement.
Re the 2 x 4, it might just be for a better angle for photos; I know my guzzis stock, lean wwaaayyy too far over on the side stand, I usually have blocks of wood at hand, fwiw.
I agree that it would've been a shame to do that custom work on a good condition stock bike, but I think most of those customs start out with wrecks. Makes economic and practical sense, cheaper, and if it has to be fixed anyways, might as well do something different.
The exhaust seemed to be the biggest change and yet they didn't show any details of it, the hidden crossover collector must be made of spaghetti to end up in that muffler where it is.
If that tank holds as much gas as it appears to, my bladder would definitely be the limiting range factor,lol.