For those interested:
I mocked up a cheap mount adapter for the Mini. with some scrap plywood I had kicking around
The existing holes fit 1/4-20 bolts perfectly.
I just traced and cut free hand but the holes appear to be spaced 3" on center
Pan head machine screws fit in the stock hardware channels with no issue.
Played with a RAM mount ball, feels great!
Could easily mount to 8020 with just the plate.
Also played with mounting it to a tripod, worked perfectly.
I think I’m going to use this as a project to learn more about CAD and make a plate with the threads in the metal,and use Sendcutsend or similar service to make the adapter piece.