We know Boeing introduced MCAS because the new MAX engines, being more powerful and lower slung, together with the effect of a larger cowling, would have a larger coupling moment. So without MCAS cutting in, a significantly larger Pitch Rate than on a 737NG is fairly easy to achieve.
No we don't. MCAS is designed to increase stick forces at greater AoA as the cowlings for the engines generate nose up forces at large AoA leading to reduced stick force. Further, the engines are actually mounted higher and more forward to allow ground clearance vs the NG and generate a lower thrust couple as they are actually closer to the aircraft c.g. and so generate less torque.