I used to be hung up on that. I have shorter fingers than you (I'm willing to bet!) and logic told me to focus on 24 3/4 scale guitars.

Now after a while I don't really notice much difference between scales despite the fact that I know there is about a 1/4" difference from 2nd to 7th fret between a LP and a Strat. The Strat definitly feels roomier, though. In a good way. :)

Play what your heart desires most.