I'm 5'9" and a bit "stout"...lol.
It really depends on the kind of riding that you do.
I ride surf, attempt an air trick now and then, and carve waves. The shortened pole, for me, was one of the best things that I ever did to my ski.
I took 2.5" off the pole.....But, when you consider the 0-degree bars and shortened turn plate, it comes out to -5" or so.
Recreational riding IMO can be tuff with a pole that is too short.
I'm very pleased with my current length....(but my wife's not) lol.
I can always make it shorter if my needs change.
I also like the idea of shortening the stock pole because very few, if any, AM poles are foam filled. It's just another thing that can help right the ski if/when it gets away from you. (bilge pumps and scuppers don't work so well when the ski is upside down).
Being able to get your weight that little bit more forward really changes control. It's like "hey!, I can RIDE this thing now instead of dragging behind it!"
Great mod.