This is true, UNLESS the stated bb length is offset on the crank side, which happens sometimes. Yearrgh!

Nilbog, removing material from the crank sounds like a really bad idea. The fit depends on friction over a large surface area and as scruggle said, removing material in a haphazard way (since even counting strokes won't control for variation in downward pressure, variation in angle, the file getting clogged with aluminum shavings, etc) will very likely **** that up.

I'd be really surprised if you couldn't make something work with the 103 or the next size up, even if you have to futz around respacing your hub.