Before I ever do any mod's I always consider resale. I've never flown a short gear version so I can't opine on much of it other than aesthetics. Seeing a short gear -4 and a long gear, it's not difficult to decide which one has visual appeal. The long gear looks staunch. The short gear, IMO, a set of testes dwarfed due to steroids.
From my experience flying my long gear -4, visibility is excellent in all parameters. Not once have I had the need to "S" turn while taxiing. Wheel landings are a breeze but if your too hot for a 3 point, the wing will bite and you'll know it by floating further than intended. But hold it there and the induced drag will bring you to where you need to be.
Go with the long gear. You won't regret it. Besides, there's a reason Van went to the long gear and I concure, FWIW.