My chassis is all but done but before i blast and paint i am curious as to why the driver has steel plates to the front and inner side of the footwell (I assume for protection from any engine/box failure) but the passenger doesnt? Should it not be mirrored on both sides?

Bulkhead is used (on haynes) to support the steering column so steel makes sense.

Nothing to stop you putting steel on the passenger side if you feel more comfortable with it.

Also carries the master cylinder and clutch cable or cylinder so requires extra strength

So its there on the drivers side for structure and mounting points rather than driver protection? If that is the case then i wont bother replicating in the passenger side.

Got it in one