I think aligning weight in the longitudinal direction is what does the trick. I also run a shorty and the Yokomo Europe weight plate underneath, and I like it better than saddles. Although I am not a good driver it just feels right, more reactive without the rear end becoming too loose.
I've got a full size servo with the ptx on the side, the rx and capacitor on top, and the esc right behind it, so moving the battery more to the front is not an option, but also not necessary at all.