Jester, you have the right idea. I used your example of a 1 to 1 ratio, so 35 degrees at the servo = 35 degrees at the control surface. Longer arms that maintain that ratio still give the same surface throw, but do it with more pushrod travel. Any play in the pushrod will be minimized. Any slop in the servo will be transmitted to the control surface at the same ratio of 1 degree servo slop = 1 degree control surface movement. This can not change. Of course you can alter the ratio to achieve the overall travel you desire, but servo geartrain slop will be transmitted to the control surface at that ratio. A shorter servo horn will NOT minimize this, but will only maximize any play in the pushrod.
Scott