I think it was too many changes at once for the block. A new block should ensure that current parts can be used, but made of better material, reinforced where necessary and allow for a bigger bore. Also with the power these engines are making now, 292, and 312 blocks really aren't needed for power. Use the discarded 272s and smaller displacement blocks. There seem to be plenty of blocks at the time and they aren't breaking very often. What's needed is cranks and, to compliment all the great stuff on the induction side, exhaust. For anything other than a T-Bird (FPA headers), there is really no great exhaust option that is readily available. There are lots of good options, but nothing that is in line with Mummert heads and intake.
Just a thought, since the FPA headers did quite well in Ted's header tests, I've asked a couple times over the past few year if they would produce another Y-Block header (for trucks, in my case). Each time, the reply is I'm the only person who has asked for them which, understandably is not enough demand to justify the development of a new header. If any of you agree about a need for better exhaust, start asking these header companies to produce. If we're loud enough, they will make something better. That goes for everything, really. If you don't let them know there is demand, it won't be made.
Lawrenceville, GA