As the MAX was based on "old type" 737 certification, the addition of a stick nudger/pusher probably would have resulted in a "new type" certificate, which was why the MAX was meant to be a "common type rating" such as the B747-8 vs B747-400.
But the earlier 707-100s and -200s had no nudger/pusher, and yet it is a common type rating. I am certified to fly a 707-400, though I have never seen one. And also a 720 (which I have at least seen a few of), in the same type rating.