Saab 9-5 Serpentine belt - Long or Short?

So due to a pretty massive oil leak from my valve cover, I need to replace the oil contaminated serpentine accessory belt on my 2001 9-5 Linear.

Mine is still running the original factory "long belt" setup utilising the middle pulley. Planning on repacking and reusing the idler pulleys which are still in good condition.

So, any disadvantages in cutting out the middle pulley and doing the "short belt" modification as recommended by Saab? Reduced belt life, noise etc? Also what length belt would forumites recommend, as I understand the belt recommended by Saab was on the tight side.

Thanks

Axeman74