You are right, we don't want to run shorter than 27 1/8" plug to baffle. Longer is okay (don't know yet how much longer is tolerable).
In that case, I may try 27-1/4".
Out of town for work this week. Won't be able to get back to it again until next Monday, if then. Having some remodeling done in the house after that as well, so it will have to take a back burner for a while.