From memory, when the engine and gearbox are bolted together they are quite well balanced when installed on the engine mounts so there is actually very little weight at this point.
Let's see what Mark says, but I suspect the flat piece is mounted with two M8's each side and will be strong enough.
I hope those tunnel lips are strong because they take the passenger and driver seat runners
And thinking about it, that flat piece will add to the strength of the tunnel by not allowing any tendency to 'spread' under sideways the stress from the seat runners.