I'm assuming that a tapered E string was used when the intonation was set. That would push the saddle closer to the neck. I'm not sure if it would be that much though?
Good stuff. And I agree the proof is in your recordings.
I'm still a ribbon and '57 off of the cabinet kind of guy. Double track and mix to taste. I get "meh" results, but that comes more from performance than engineering, I suspect...
Fender can merge their lips to my aged saggy ass, as far as I'm concerned. They'll never get another penny of my money. Nothing has changed that opinion since 2012.