Gas pedal bracket modified. Why?

[jumpsoffrock]

I just realized the gas pedal bracket in my truck--which works fine, the truck drives perfect--apparently had its top cut off, and you can feel the rough edge of the cut too.
I have a spare on hand that appears to be normal.

Can someone tell me what the upper part of this bracket it used for and surmise why someone would cut it off and what that entails?

Thanks ya'll.