Pressing bushings out of a featherbed swingarm

I know folks have had a hard time doing this, my situation is that the frame I traded for has one removed, and the other one stuck in there to the point the previous owner broke a bracing plate (loose adapter plate on the press deck) trying to press the other one out.

My question:

How about if I get a thicker bracing plate and have at it? Any chance I'll ruin the swingarm before the bushing "gives up"?

Next question: Is this thickened section inside the swingarm a spacer, or is it a stepped profile in the swingarm tube's bore?

From what I remember it is a stepped profile. My bushings came out very easy. If you are getting new ones, cut a lengthwise slit to relieve some pressure on them.

I'm working on re-inventing the wheel (designing my own bushing arrangement).

Ahh yes, I often find the wheel to be imperfect.