you do realize that has the exact same problem as a stem riser? Handle bars end up in the same place, forces on the stem will be identical. You accomplish nothing with that.

Actually, that illustrates exactly the point I'm trying to make. Whether the lever is straight or turns and angles, the only thing that tries to bend the steering tube is the overall distance from the pivot point. People have a difficult time visualizing that for some reason

Thinking about this some more, adding a longer stem will have a greater impact than a stem riser. The farther one's hands are from the steering axis the greater the torque on the steering tube. Probably the greatest force the tube will endure is the downward force from a rider out on the hoods hitting a pothole. In that scenario the height of the stem doesn't matter, but the downward force times the longer lever arm increases the load on the stem.