Only in Touring and by cycco would I ever come across the claim that 440mm chainstays are short and nimble.

I have size 14 shoes and got along just fine with 435mm chainstays and a full size rear pannier when that was my commuting setup.
Seems like a bit of an academic concern more than a real concern. There are bags and racks that allow you to adjust for such a small difference, and that difference doesn't suddenly make the bike handle poorly.