Your slotting idea is fine, or you can simply bend the flanges straight, push the bracket tips to the bottom of the granite, and screw it in place. If you're right handed, put the short nut strap on the left so you're driving the bolt with your right hand. The instructions don't suggest this, but they should.

My column in www.countertopiq.com next month takes readers through an entire Sink Strap retrofit procedure. They haven't published it yet, another week or so, so I can't share it here until they do.

A 2x4 and a bar clamp don't whine for you to "hurry up" because their arms are getting tired either and don't wriggle out of position. On your new installation, you can place another on the other drain. I'm too lazy to battle removing the basket on retrofits. Don't over-tighten and you can tap the sink into perfect position. Snug the clamps (you'll pucker the sink bottom, don't panic), tighten the Sink Strap, loosen the clamps, check the reveals one last time, pull the clamps, spray the silicone squeeze-out with Windex and remove it with a wetted finger. Done and ready for immediate hook-up and use.

Thanks so much, Joe -- just in the nick of time. :) Regent's printed instructions are kinda funky, and their online how-to video was teeny-tiny (couldn't for the life of me figure out how to enlarge). However, I did anticipate flipping the ends around, as you suggested: figured out last night it'd be much easier to drive the bolt from the right. Thanks again, as always, for your help!