Has Anyone Gone from a Progress to a Progress Long Handle?

I don't have much of a problem with my Progress, but I'm intrigued about the longer handle. Plus, it appears to be a one-off production for this year? Anyone experienced both and found the longer handle to provide more balance or comfort, or is it a hokey response to the short handle quip?

BONUS: Anyone got a long-handle Progress and then gotten the dial extension by Mer? Would that just be too long?

Yes.