Subwoofer box designs for dual 8'

Yes, and tightly coupled.

With your push push design, could I make it like a dual transmission line or dual bandpass, or would that just make it worse?

Am I best to have just an empty box design apart from a little bracing, and of course the speakers themselves?

I wonder if I could secure the two subs together with threaded rod or solid rod at their mounting points so there is zero flex?