Found out the deal on the alternative shifter positions. I can buy a secondhand housing and shifter rod end that will move the shifter forward 50mm for $150. Not far enough and too much dough.
I've decided to model my own and mill it out of tooling ally on the CNC mill at work, and also mill out a new rod end to suit. Should be good for at least 80mm.
If anyone is interested in getting a special made up then give me a yell.