1. I vote for the stock fit making a world of difference. Goldilocks level of fit is required in this matter. I find the Hogue overloaded on my Ruger Alaskans makes a huge difference. They may suck at fit for someone else. They are not "pretty" in terms of wood beauty, so some detest them. You do you, Boo!
2. I have not been a PH, did not stay at Holiday Inn Express last night, nor am I a biologist. However, I can pick the brains of PHs and life-long hunters. Robertson says shorter is better. Woods says shorter is better. Boddington indicates he also is afflicted with old man disease where things get heavier and heavier. Shorter is better to me if you are genuinely stalking/still hunting/climbing/crawling through he brush. If you step off the truck and stalk 50 yards, no big deal.
3. The velocity loss issue is a false issue. 1st, Robertson's DVM terminal ballistic research has taught him that maxing out velocity is counter productive. 2nd, the 25-50 FPS one would lose by bobbing off 2" of barrel will never be noticed by the animal.
4. If you like toting a 26" pike through the bush, good on ya! It is your rifle and what makes you pleased as punch may or may not make me the same, and vice versa.
5. I believe the fear of increased muzzle blast is a hollow argument - it is a freaking rifle discharging! IT GOES BANG REALLY LOUD! Since one only would see muzzle flash hunting leopard, who cares. If it is a concern, then adjust your load/handload to reduce the flash and more completely9 burn the powder in the 22" barrel vs. the 24" barrel. A parallel issue occurs with AR-type platforms - when you go to a 10" barrel on an AR pistol, the increase in report and flash is noticeable. Going from 18" to 16", not so much. I would posit that going from 24" to 22" will not be that huge a deal. My 20" barrels do not scythe down any bystanders with ferocious muzzle blast.
6. There is a mild "cult" on here of "traditional" African rifle "nerds". Not meant as an insult - just pointing out what some may not realize. 26" barrels, AAA fancy walnut, deep and lustrous blueing - if it isn't this Rx, then it is "wrong". Maybe for you. I am willing to allow you to enjoy your rifle as you want it. If dressing up like Bell and carrying those rifles smashes your fun button, awesome. However, please stop justifying your desires with wives tale-like issues (increased muzzle blast in going from 24" to 22", for example). Your 26" really might be the Goldilocks arrangement for you, and mine at 20" is for me. There is a spectrum/balance of too much velocity (and thus recoil) vs. enough velocity/recoil to achieve quick, humane termination of the quarry vs. use enough gun to have certainty of results. There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch (TANSTAAFL). Each hunter gets to pick his spot along the continuum that tickles their fancy. I just returned a rifle to a Client this week. His hunting "buddy" advised him on getting the perfect elk rifle - .300 WSM with 26" barrel and a 4-24x50 mounted 6" over the barrel (and no cheekiest to align his eye with the scope tube). The Client told me he hated the rifle and was afraid to fire it as it beat the crap out of him with each trigger pull. Yet, by Bubba's tiny male appendage syndrome rules, that was the perfect rifle to get him an elk - I guess by clubbing the animal, since he cannot find ammo for the thing. Good on LUVTHUNT for seeking counsel here from the members!
7. Shorter barrels are generally EASIER to get to shoot accurately due to lessened barrel whip. It still must have a great crown. A long barrel can shoot great/better than a short one. So many variables in crown, load, projo, etc.. Why are we even discussing accuracy when we will engage the quarry at a MAXIMUM of 150 yards?!?!? That is inside of the operating parameters of a freaking AK!!!! Who here can hold 1 MOA from a field shooting position anyway? FIELD accuracy vs. bench shooting are two different worlds. Now add in adrenaline. Unless a crown is FUBAR'ed, the rifle will be adequately accurate.
8. Obviously, my military and hunting experience, as well as counsel from "elders" has resulted in different views than many above in this thread. Value the ones I disagree with as much or more as mine. Then try out the ideas for yourself and determine which ones work for YOU. Your rifle, your rules. There must be some form of joy with the "African Nerd" rifles, or people would not have them built. Hope at least this served as the World War Z alternative to the normal opinions. Kevin Robertson thinks I am a loon for stringing my rifle into the sling like an AR - but it WORKS! Find what works for you!