Hal, after reading what Mica said, I can't be more sure this is going to be one awesome bass!
I'm also a short scale guy, and I know that this balance doesn't work for everyone, but it sure works for me and I believe it sure works for you.
I still haven't been able to have my custom built Alembic YET, but I understand what you mean with the can't do this sort of stuff. It is indeed complicated to change something that is already definitive in our minds, but I know that everyone here really wants you to have the best bass possible. I believe what they are really trying is to help you anyway they can so you can have what you dream! Sometimes, new things might look weird, but they tend to develop it to something specia
I am already in love with your bass, and I can't wait to watch the FTC...
So, did you already give it the green light? Let us know!
Greg
