The Innova I owned had a cracked stock around the grip which was most likely from holding it during pumping. Because of that I would say holding the scope would be better.
As you know already with the Benji's & Dan's pulling on the scope would be pulling the barrel and solder away, so although the Innova breech is plastic, it's still a better design if you want a scope. They certainly deserve one because of how accurate they are.
I'm sure I read Sportmatch used to make a one piece mount with a cutaway for loading. Is that what's on there now? I imagine the one piece would distribute the forces better too.