TPM, It goes back to the smaller players have to prove they can play, while the bigger players have to prove they can't ( I think Coach May posted that). Andrew Brackman has the benefit of TJ surgery being regarded as something very successful and a team who has the money to take the gamble. The small town teams would never have taken the chance.
The Virginia video also said that Randy Johnson released from 46ft. I think that's a bit much but because of his height he was/is a lot closer.
Yet there are exceptions to every rule,like Bill Wagner, Ron Guidry and many more under 6ft. That throw heat.
Stride length is very important, obviously the closer you are to the plate the better and should always be considered by a pitcher, coach, scout, whoever.