Bad reputations can come from expectations on a product that it was never intended to fulfill.
As I understand S.Wolfe dramatically slowed down the Campagnolo NR rear der. long cage conversions as soon as Suntour VGT and Shimano Crane GS came on the scene. The reason given is that the Campagnolo was never designed to be a long cage touring der. with a lot of chain wrap.ie something better came along and it was utilized.
If I want to keep myself as dry as possible then I ride with full fenders and still get wet.
Because I really hate road dirt I might consider shorties to keep the brakes clean. For the someday I might do it I have a pair of aluminum weinmann shorties that have a neat pattern rolled into them. . . then again I still have my pocket protector and slide rule handy:-)
Howard Darr Clymer PA
Remembering some of the far side of Presque Isle rainy rides when I had full fenders, still got wet but didn't have the stripe up my back. Howdy Syke