Finished my shifter today, a bit different to Luke's design but i kept the original mounts so it can be returned to original if needed.
Also retained the ign switch and key for looks. Works a treat.

how solid is it?

100 times more solid than the original shifter

thats good. Its one of the challenges of moving the pivot point up and going to a longer shift lever....making the mount solid enough to fight all the leverage.

The operation is very smooth with no movement. Feels nice and positive which might help the brain overcome the urge for slow shifting now the dog box is fitted. It's hard to retrain yourself after 30+ years of rubbish Saab gear changes.

How are you dealing with reverse lock out ?

Reverse lockout or just reverse avoidance? Reverse to remove key is history.

I have modified the front 4sp case to utilise the later 5sp spring loaded detent. Keeps the lever in 3rd/4th plane. Don't have any lock out for reverse as I don't think it is an issue, it's not a natural movement to select it.