Full-length vs. Mid-length Ski Shoot-out --- (it's a blowout)

I'd really like to demo some mid-length skis sometime.

So far I only have 4 datapoints for the mid-lengths.

1: a top ski media guy says they're great for his hilly conditions
2: a ski dude out east says he loves his for twisty, hilly conditions
3: a ski shop owner says they seem fine to him

....and 4: I went on a big all-day ski the other week with a very
strong skier. My full-length waxable touring skis were twice as fast
as his high-end custom-fit mid-length waxless skis in conditions
ranging from 10F - 30F. I saw him slipping early on when it was cold.
Maybe his grip was better than mine later on when warm. I was just
coasting behind him while he set the pace. He said he was working at a
moderate pace. He said he liked the handling but overall based on what
I saw they seemed TERRIBLE. My waxables in contrast were great. It was
the perfect ski day. My skis had great kick and glide and handling,
too. His were HALF as good. But he still had a fine time. I didn't try
his skis and I didn't wax them so it's not totally a legit datapoint.