"hard to get into gears" won't be fixed by a shorter throw.
this comes down to spending sufficient time on getting the geometry just right.
My opinion is that the rubber factory shifter grommets are a part of the shifter issues;
This is where an aftermarket Hurst Competition Plus really shines;
With a HCP shifter you can use the original style plastic(?) bushings, or go with steel bushings.
I have swapped parts between aftermarket and OEM shifter to have a factory housing and lever with the HCP gear selectors to eliminate the rubber bushings in favor of the aftermarket style.
So, if you get the rods nailed just right with the correct levers (or the levers you have), the only upgrade that will really make any discernable improvement from that point is to go with a factory-aftermarket hybrid shifter.
The net result is a much more solid shifter feel, with the only down side being you will feel more drivetrain vibration through the shifter.