Oh, shorter is definitely better. Six feet has always been my preference. You want that segment as short as possible.
The output from the bodies is very immune to any impact from long cable runs or outside interference. So if you need length, that is the place to get it. Plus you'll be able to choose from a wide variety of cables, thin, thick, techflexed together, whatever.
When running on a tall stand, I velcro the bodies to the stand pole. You could optionally put them in a small pouch and attach the pouch to the stand. I've never considered it a hassle. Also, you should consider covering your bodies with heat shrink tubing. That will prevent scratches from them rubbing on anything. I also cover the body end of the kc5. The downside to this is that it will increase the diameter of the bodies and it will factor into how the bodies fit in your shockmount. For some shock mounts it will not matter, and for others it will.