I was noticing that the shifter is really stubby. Do you think it's that way to shorten the throws? That would be pretty cool although it would probably take getting used to.

I don't think it makes too big a difference...but it does certainly help.

Most of the time, it's the fulcrum point between where the shifter rotates, and where the linkage is attached to it.

Oddly enough, on my Impreza, I have an STi short shifter, and the lever is actually longer than stock :)