I've made a number of short female bikes for two wives and a bunch of friends as well as sold Terry for 15 years. Brake reach and shift lever throw have been frequent issues. I find that most liked the Shimano lever shape/size for general holding and using the brake blade. But for shifting, especially the front, STI can be a long throw. campy Ergo gets the vote here. However many of the bikes I've set up ended up with bar end shifters. A far easier leverage/hand strength (as the wrist can be used) movement and this also frees up the rake lever body having to be bulky to house a shifter.

As far as shims go I don't like them as a mechanic as my customers complain of brake pad rub more often. But if that's what it takes... Andy.