2 years in and finally upgraded to a short shifter. I got a boomba shifter, shift cable bushing, and the 1/2 shifter stop. Got it all 2nd hand, still new in package for 200 bux.
The shifter and shifter stop has been installed and "now" works flawlessly. The shifter stop is easy to install and adjust. The stop takes away all of the slop that's in 1st and 2nd. There is actually a fair amount of slop! No more missed 2nd gear shifts.
The shifter itself on the other hand, requires complete disassembly of the shifter assembly. It's not difficult, just time consuming. After initial install throws were definitely shorter and the height and location of the shifter was in more user friendly location. The only issue was that the throw from neutral to say 3rd was shorter than neutral to 4th. Engagement was different too. The cable would actually pop off when going into 3rd. After a few fixes I discovered the problem.
I figured the shifter wasn't manufactured correctly and was causing all of the issues. Since I bought it 2nd hand with no receipt I was essentially stuck with it. The options were install the stock shifter or buy another from a different brand. On the last failure I decided to look and see if there was an actual cause. Because of how the shifter was, it was actually hitting the back of the shifter cable box and disengaging the cable whenever it goes into 3rd.
I modded the shifter cable box for clearance and no more issues. Pictures explain it all...