I decided to take the $11 risk and try the vent mount holder that I had listed above.
I really like the position of the phone, it is up and out of the way of the cupholders and controls. You can see in the picture from the drivers perspective that it does not block the nav or windshield either. I chose this model to try because I like the cradle, it doesn't need to be tight and getting the phone in and out with one hand is simple. It also doesn't require adding a plate to the phone.
What I don't like is the stability. The vent clip is spring loaded. When the phone is in the holder it doesn't move, but while putting it in and removing it there is slight movement. My worry is that over time it may put a wear mark on the vent.
I am still thinking about the solution I had originally posted, if I can adapt this cradle to that bracket.