109jb, As a retrofit for a hobbyist, I agree, the short R8 is a good improvement over standard R8 as an entry into quick, repeatable tool changes.
How would you compare the short R8 to something like the TTS? Pretty close I'd say? 6 of one, half a dozen of another? My personal preference would be to go with a TTS ( or clone) rather than the short R8 so I don't have to deal with a pull stud system that might be lightly supported ( commercially) and or pricey.