The original had to withstand the abuses of uncaring hired employees, over a sufficient number of years... and it never see any maintenance...
You aren't likely to use your feet on it...
It has to move a damper, which you are going to free up and lubricate regularly, because it is YOUR damper and cable.
Why would YOU need that heavy wire style control?
Get in there and prepare it, to see how weak a cable you can get away with...
Happy coaching!
Buswarrior