as title..
just changed, didn't really want a new rear mech, but what are the benefits other than it being further away from the ground?
slight reduction in weight
Shorter chain; less chain slap, less likely to come off.
Looks better
Less mech to clip on rocks/get tangled with undergrowth.
Long cage mech gear changes are slightly slower (mebbe quarter crank turn) due to increased cage length
Other than that, it's mostly just looks really
For me it's that they are less likely to be ****ted by rocks/sticks and the like.
I was going through two a year until I put a medium cage on my HT, been on a year and still straight. And the Zee on my FS is a bit bent but still works fine.
In the olden days we'd use 105/Ultegra rear mechs. Ahh, the good ol' days.