Can anyone explain my before and after image here?

Is this just a limitation of sheet metal features, or the "Merge result" functionality?  The 3 bodies were created via Base flange, Linear pattern (of the body).

Is it because I am using a linear pattern?

Can anyone reproduce this result?

I am certain I can create this another way if necessary, this is just a simplification of an issue I am seeing.  Basically I wanted to do something similar so I could pattern 3 existing mounting plates and merge them into a single part.