[Quickurt]

I really think those legs are to hold the part during factory assembly. I think they are to hold the fitting at the proper angle to snap it onto the ball end of the shifter shaft. They are more than likely fixturing "lugs".
I guess it is possible that they keep the fitting from flexing down, but the are not really on the bottom and I don't see how the cable could flex at that point.

It's not like a malfuction will effect the brakes or anything that could cause an accident, so I would go with it and see if there is any adverse effect. I really doubt there will be. If I were road racing the car, I wouldn't risk it, but for street use, I wouldn't worry, too much.