I believe that the original question was about short reach STI levers made for smaller hands, not the reach of the brake calipers. There may in fact be a problem with the limit screws, but you should be able to find a shop with a bike in stock with the short reach levers. If not, a good shop would let you try them oout and return them if they don't do the trick. Try having them check the drivetrain first, and see how that goes. If there is still too much effort involved, have them order you a set of the short reach levers.
DEMON