yes, but seems to me like modern lipo tcs have that sorted out pretty well. if anything, would be more of a headache to re-arange your components/add wire ect with a stubby pack.
though, shame they are dropping the e4 platform. with shorter lipos, you could mount the servo inline where the extra battery mass would have been. with modern brushless technology i wonder if the three belts are really such a hinderance.
though i wonder how well an outboard shaft drive would work.