Felix,
Honestly, I can't tell the difference in the long vs. short but the only comparison I have had would have been my Snakebite which I was so dumb to sell just because I had it finished gloss.
I had a one-piece Elite VL as well but it was 62" and too long for my short draw. Ironically though that 1-piece was 100% cocobolo. The figure was so terrific in that bow I'm sure it would be considered a T2 these days. Last I knew that bow was in TX.
I like the Sitka very much. It is smooth, easy to quiet, and of course easy on the eyes.
If I wouldn/t take a beat'n I'd sell all my other bows, except a Rose Oak Heritage, and have just Blacktails. However, these days 50% seems to be all one can get out of a perfect-condition custom.