RE: Distance between tank and engine
I agree, 5" is pretty normal.
If you had lines that were a lot longer, the problem should show up in the engine's peformance, especially in the air. You'd likely see the engine quitting or lagging during fast throttle transition from low to full throttle. It would be similar to a rich low end needle but without the 'burble', the rpm's would just sag as the engine starved for fuel.
Dennis-