Hello i've checked this, the problem is i believed both stack/bulk inserters shared the same number of upgrades but they don't, the bulk inserter tech gives you +1 to both stack/bulk, so the bulk always starts with an extra +1, but you can unlock stack inserters before this tech so the stack inserters can start with a smaller hand size. It can be fixed but its going to need more entities (twice of crane mk04) to fit all the possible combinations and some code adjust too, i feel maybe its not worth for a 6% error only considering it will add more clutter to the upgrade planners/ui, also after you research bulk inserters this problem should be gone.
About using the initial values from the game code yes that's the best approach i will replace the hard codded values for speed / initial hand stack sizes.
If you feel strong about fixing the stack cranes hand error i will look into it but it may take some time.
About the cranes, i've been playing more with the mod, maybe you already noticed but when moving items that have a stack size smaller than the crane hand you will get worse throughput than using individual inserters, its very noticeable using mk04 cranes for example moving stone vs ash. I only use the cranes to load/unload trains so i don't now how they behave with belts but they must be limited to the belt lane speed too. Im not sure if matching the inserters by handsize its "fair", they will always be equal or weaker than using multiple inserters depending on the use case, inventory to inventory when item stack size <= crane hand stack size is best case and they only just match the inserters perfomance, its balanced that's for sure but maybe they could use a small buff (more hand size or/and more speed).